Last night, I glanced at my appointment book (yes, old school as I am, I still enjoy the written page to keep my schedule clear in my awareness), and a thought arose. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. There was nothing particularly negative about the thought, merely an observation of what lay ahead. Yet, in that simple moment, I recognized how easily the ego-mind can plant a seed that, given enough attention, might grow into a feeling of overwhelm before the day has even begun.
I smiled at the realization and gently shifted into gratitude. I’m grateful to have such a lovely workday ahead of me. And just like that, the energy changed. The appointments were still there, the hours were still full, yet my relationship to the day had softened. I’ve discovered that when I remain present with whatever is before me, a natural rhythm carries me gracefully from one experience to the next. One thing at a time, one person at a time, one sacred moment at a time. Such a simple teaching of Zen.
So, when I awoke at 2 a.m., as is fairly normal for my particular rhythm, I found my mind wandering once again. What shall I write? What needs tending? Do I have a magical outfit for an evening of giving readings to several lovely new people? And on it went, the ego-mind happily arranging tomorrow’s experiences while I was still nestled beneath the covers.
There is something rather amusing about watching the mind do what it does so well. It loves to anticipate, prepare, and occasionally convince us that everything requires our attention at once. Yet awareness offers us a choice. We can follow those thoughts into an imagined tomorrow or return to the quiet grace of the moment we’re actually living.
With that awareness, I rose from my warm bed, entered my sacred space, spoke with my guides, and allowed the words to flow through me. Writing has always been one of my favorite ways of clearing the mind and making room for the wisdom beneath all that thinking. Soon, the energy became peaceful, and I could return to my cozy bed for a delicious second sleep.
And when the sun rises, my morning rituals will begin. A gratitude walk with the puppies, conversations with the trees and birds and clouds, coffee and comedy, and the gentle preparation of myself and my space for the beautiful souls who will arrive throughout the day.
Perhaps this is the deeper invitation. A full day can be a beautiful thing, rich with connection, purpose, laughter, and opportunities to be of service. When we release the need to carry tomorrow before it arrives, we create space to experience the extraordinary beauty resting quietly within the ordinary. A drop of water on a rose petal, the morning birdsong, the warmth of a familiar embrace. Each moment offers its own small invitation to awaken.
Tomorrow will arrive one moment at a time, and I intend to enjoy every one of them.
✨ Blessing ✨
May you greet each day with gratitude and an open heart.
May you find peace in the gentle rhythm of one sacred moment at a time.
And may grace accompany you through all that unfolds.