As I continue my grief journey, I find this holiday weekend particularly challenging.  Even armed with the knowledge that the holidays are often a trigger does not provide an emotional immunity in order to deal with what is arising.

The tendency to fight which arises is natural.  Choosing distraction activities such as a run -particularly useful especially if you are not a runner.  Then, running makes you focus on the breath by necessity.   Also, being super busy Marie Kondo your cupboard/basement whatever... I did try this, and while it is satisfying cleaning up an area the messiness that is created in the interim is enough to drive one to utter madness.

Perhaps we should just be with what is arising.  But there has to be a way to do this in a kind way so you are not in a constant state of turmoil.   If you sit and meditate and just watch and label the emotions.   Sadness, sadness , sadness then just adopt a curiosity about what is happening.   You can also try to not dredge up your most painful grief memory.  This is a time to go easy on yourself and see literally what comes up and then, let it pass.

As we jump into the fall season, the garden starts to change.  Tomatoes that were green slowly are turning a golden yellow.  Strawberries, started from seed are bearing fruit!   Thank you, West Coast Seeds.  

The strawberries are truly delicious.  Unfortunately, the squirrels and rabbits have been eating most of the fruit.  Now the small bunnies have discovered a love of cherry tomatoes and romaine.  This is after battling slugs all summer who attacked the tomatoes with a gusto!

Yet, still I do not give up hope.  I keep checking the carrots to see how they and the beets are doing.   So far they are quite small.   

This time I am really trying to stop grasping.  After listening to many Joesph Goldstein podcasts on mindfulness I am taking the lessons to heart.   Taking time to actually just listen to the leaves rustling in the trees is very peaceful.  

As I look out the window and I watch the leaves on the chestnut tree turn from green to a golden orange, I am amazed at this season.  We have many reasons to feel truly blessed, even when so many things are challenging.

Now is the time to savour each day of summer.  It is as if there is a countdown going on.   Take time to go to beach, a park or even any greens pace and just enjoy the sunshine and the sound of the birds, leaves, water rushing by.  Be present in the present moment.  Just be.  Don't think of anything at all for a moment, focus on the external sounds.  This will bring a sense of calm.

Slowly you will start to unwind and be grateful for the ears you have to listen to sounds and to be able to see the beautiful water or greenery in your local park.  All too often we overlook the simplest things in our environment when we are constantly rushing.  Make a point of not rushing for a moment.  Take some time for yourself.

My best friend Bella passed away yesterday.  It was a difficult decision but, was made easier as the vet came directly to my home to look after Bella.

Bella was a wonderful companion who loved long walks by the lake and greeting all the neighbours.  Everyone in the neighbourhood knew Bella.  Bella even loved watching me cook every night in the kitchen.  She did not want to miss a single thing.

Now, she is in peace.  I am so grateful to have her in my life for 17 years!

Finally some warm weather has arrived.  It is a time to enjoy those quiet moments in nature and appreciate the beauty around you.  It is also a time to make time to meditate and to focus on being present in the present moment.

As we enter the summertime we can make time to be grateful for the small things as we encounter new challenges in our journeys.  Find some time to enjoy those simple things like gelato and sitting in the warm sunshine and just doing nothing for a change.  Sometimes when we unplug we finally get a chance to just breathe instead of anticipating the next thing we have to do.