It began to feel a bit stuffy in my home office, so I just opened a window. It only took a moment, but in the space of a heart-beat magic happened. My senses were aroused by the sumptuous melodies of songbirds singing so near it seemed they’d flown into my office to share their gifts with me. The scents of rain and the flowers beneath my window melded into a potent aroma of olfactory pleasure. Inches away, great multi-colored blossoms captured my eyes, each vibrant petal an invitation to soak in its beauty and experience its exquisite softness with a touch.
Living in that moment, concerns of deadlines, challenges, fears, and commitments disappeared. As I typed the last sentence, it occurred to me I’d not nearly enough emphasized the first word. LIVING! Really LIVING! That is what I’m doing when I remove the blinders of everyday distractions from my senses and heart and truly experience the wonders all around me.
A profound sense of gratitude, joy, connectedness, and peace envelops me. A bit of sadness too, for letting a lack of mindfulness and a thin pane of glass separate me from all these blessings. The sadness doesn’t last. How could it, when surrounded by so many miracles?
With Love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
I did live this blessing with you.thank you
Thank you for taking the time to let me know. I’m glad you too were able to enjoy the experience.
Russ
thank you for the experience. Have a lovely weekend
Thank you for the kind wish. I hope you too have a lovely weekend.
Russ
sometimes we all need a reminder )
I imagine so. I know for a fact that I do. Thank you for your comment.
Russ
How beautifully said. Live in themomenta nd enjoy the birds osng there and then and stop to listen and enjoy.
Thank you, Ute. I’ve begun working outside more as the weather has improved and I love it.
Russ
sounds like a great place to be Russ!
It is indeed my friend. I’m blessed.
Russ
It’s most often the little …sometimes overlooked things in life that bring the greatest pleasure .. if only we noticed more! Diane
“If only” indeed. I plan to spend many more hours working outside this year than last. With a portable computer and Wi-Fi there’s no need to be chained to my desk when the beautiful world is right outside.
Russ
Oh yeah I so get that
(Big smile!)
Did I hear rain…or should I say…smell? Now that would be glorious!
Not long ago the bird mating season completed and now we are hearing the sounds of babies, hungry for food. We are surrounded by cardinals with a multi-part song. I used to think it was several different birds, but a bit of research proved that it really was just one song.
Though I live in a warm climate, we do have a dormant period in which the frogs and toads are silent, as are the birds (except the crows) and all the lizards seem to disappear. Then suddenly they are all awake and alive and communicating again, bustling here and there. I find myself following their simple life pattern.
A simple life pattern can be a glorious thing. Cardinals are one of my favorite birds. I love their striking beauty and we don’t have them where I live, so I love seeing them when I travel.
Rain has been rare here this season but we just got a bit more of the life-giving stuff, and I’m grateful.
Russ
I agree, they are my favorite as well. A funny thing about cardinals…they like to look at themselves in mirrors. Often I will walk outside and they are sitting at the car door, pecking at the side view mirror, for as long as 15 minutes.
LOL! I had no idea. Thank you for the humorous info. I know the cardinal is the state bird in several states in the U.S. I think it is the state bird for more states than any other of our feathered friends.
Russ
Now that is why I start every day outside come hell or high water… the sound of nature is a kick start to anyone’s day…
That sounds like wisdom to me, bulldog, though I admit I’d feel differently if it was 70 degrees F below zero instead of above.
Russ
So good to step back into your wisdom and optimism. Yes, Russ, you are blessed… and so am I. Thanks for reminding me to open the window and smell the rain. It’s falling softly in my part of Montana right now; Cleaning the air; washing the environment, watering the trees and bushes, growing the flowers, raising the rivers,delighting the fishermen, refreshing the soul. Thank you, God! ❤
Hi, Jan. It is always good to hear from you. Thank you for your comments and insights.
Russ
You’re welcome, Russ. Thank you for yours!
Your explanation of a window opening allowed my own window to open. Thanks heaps!
I’m glad it resonated for you, B.C. Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
Russ
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