Meeting the Madwoman

For me, the word "earth" is about remaining present & engaging in real life.  It means taking care of my body - feel the ache of early morning stiffness & the release of a good stretch, eat healthfully, breathe deeply.  It means arrive prepared and contribute.  It means pause - to enjoy wind against my skin & the strong scents of summer blossoms.  It means hold your tongue - don't be so quick with a joke when maybe someone has pain or frustration that just wants to be seen, even for a moment.

I just keep bringing my mind back into my body, back into real life.  It's both staying still, to acknowledge what's right here, and moving on, to have some good effect. 

"You don't drop kick a puppy into the neighbor's yard every time it piddles on the floor.  You just keep bringing it back to the newspaper."  
Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird

*** additions***
L & Baby N surprised me with these two little friends last night:

They've made themselves right at home.