Tuesday Dao

Tuesday Daily Dao

Gentle exercise every day is good for the body. Unless it’s a terrible tempest, take a walk outside for fresh air and movement. A stroll in nature routinely will revive the senses.

For something different, either find a straight line somewhere like on a ball field or draw a line on the grass with lime. Close your eyes and walk forward. It’s best to do this exercise with no shoes if possible. Walk slowly as it takes a while to adjust to the narrowed field of awareness. Open the eyes after a dozen steps and notice where you are. Your steps may have drifted off the line. Did you turn to the right or left? Try again and notice the tug in one direction. Step out evenly with both feet, letting the weight balance over each foot. Walk heel to toe and put the weight on the balls of the feet. Notice if your toes or the foot naturally rises and doesn’t land in full contact. Walk along until it becomes comfortable.

Alternatively, walk backward on the line. Learn to step in reverse the natural habit of walking forward. Swing the arms in the rhythm of a forward walk. It can get confusing to do this. The normal pattern is disturbed. Make this a routine habit where and when it is safe. Perhaps mark out a square on the grass with lime or markers. Take your time to enjoy the sensation of walking tuned into each step.

Monday Dao

Monday Daily Dao

So is it Tao or Dao? Not sure, but a “d” sound is softer than a “t”.

The thought for today is to prepare for change. Instead of being the receiver of changes, shift energy outward to maintain a positive momentum to accepting the change that is best for you. How?  Set intentions for balance. Set intentions to save energy for self-care. Set an intention to be neutral in the face of those who offer neglect as a way to interact. Don’t let the neglect experienced enter the psyche. If they have neglected to play their role, do their part, it’s not a reflection on you. It’s an awareness of their behavior. Change the way you react. Don’t get down. Don’t express neglect. Change the way you react to others’ actions.

Be neutral in the face of those who offer harmony as well. It’s their balance. How about finding your own balance rather than absorbing from another. Negative or positive energy, don’t be a sponge for others. Observe the emotional state in others. Leave them alone in whatever condition they present. Especially women, it’s not necessary to mirror the other person’s state of being. Save your precious energy for what’s best for you. Change the action, reaction trend to neutrality.

Sunday Tao

Stellina washes her face, curling into my lap as this composition for Sunday begins. She has been stuck inside all the long day, meowing in frustration at the deluge outdoors.

Today, is new moon. Today, it rained without mercy from sun up to sun down. Our first Sunday of fall trapped inside.  The sky showers the ground, watering in the fauna as it retreats into the earth for the long sleep. How it must be refreshing to drink before hibernation. Humans shower to cleanse and renew the spirits. A fall of water on our skin and Earth’s skin can be its own kind of bliss.

The garden grows cold. The sea oats cut down yesterday cover the strawberry patch. Its still green and lively. Small fruits grow in the weak October sun. Libra sun begins its retreat. The 2nd harvest is done.

Follow the path of Tao. Follow the way of the leaves. See the rock maple naked in the yard of all foliage. See the blaze of copper, gold, tangy yellow and bronze cover the grass.

Our day inside our humble home without a step out the door. Plenty of rest. Plenty of quiet. The quiet only content cats can bring to the day.