Balance

Balance.

We take it for granted, the ease with which we remain upright and moving forward, until something renders us incapable.

Then we think what a miracle it is that we can get up out of bed and tie our own shoes and get to work and back again. So many things have to go RIGHT in our complex human wiring to allow us to function somewhat normally, and most of the time we take it for granted.

It seemed impossible yesterday, when I was taking pictures of citrus in the sunshine, hoping for some much needed rain and trying to set up this photo, to comprehend the weather situation in NC. I remembered the anxiety of sheltering in place and the weird color of the sky, and the torrential downpour when the bottom fell out of the sky during a tornado swarm. I knew it was happening, because my devices kept sending me weather warnings, but because I couldn't see it for myself, it didn't seem real. I lost my sense of balance.

I am so grateful for the emails from loved ones, letting me know they had emerged from their basements and safe shelters into the impossibly brilliant sunshine.

When I lose my balance, it is important for me to check in with someone to get their perspective on the situation, not to go it alone, "tough it out" and let my imagination conjure up all kinds of disastrous scenarios. It doesn't help me to watch the news, where the ominous predictions are forecast in brilliant color, with pictures of the devastation. I need to go outside and pull a few weeds, try to manage what I can control, which is my reaction to whatever is going on, based on the information I do have. If I can't go outside, I need to find a quiet place to knit, to regain my balance. Only then can I effectively process what is really going on and decide how to react.

I am getting better at appreciating the little miracles that happen every day.

Namaste.

xox