Today has been a very satisfying day. I have them from time to time: those days that are a nice mix of getting a lot of things done balanced with doing low-key, fun stuff. I accomplished a lot of house cleaning types of things (I won’t list them here but it was a lot…) as well as bathing the dog and trimming her nails, which is a major undertaking for both of us. Then I had to clean up the tub and sweep the bathroom of all the dog hair from before, during, and after the bath. Plus I had to wash her beds so we wouldn’t be putting a clean body into a dirty bed. Each task sort of led into the next, the end result being that I got a lot of cleaning and other projects done.
I also managed to spend some relaxing time listening to my audiobook, working on a jigsaw puzzle (a picture of a cardinal, I know, hopeless!), and enjoying today’s show at the bird feeder. And after four previous attempts, the squirrel finally got to the feeder. I wish I had had my camera ready fast enough–these days it sits next to me on the living room sofa. The squirrel, that had started on the roof as usual, dropped onto the feeder and was hugging it, swinging back and forth with the momentum of the leap, trying to push its too large mouth into the small openings. I dashed to get my camera, returning as he was just falling off the feeder, but landing on the ledge under the window. He tried climbing up the window screen but never did get back up to the feeder. I managed to get a few pictures of its attempts to get back there, but it finally gave up.
I am grateful for the comic relief. This morning as I was getting my second cup of coffee, I looked out my kitchen window to see a gray squirrel carrying a large clump of oak leaves across the front yard, up the tree and into the hole it lives in with two other squirrels, one gray and one black. I have no way of knowing if it was the same one that regularly attacks the bird feeder, but either way I have had more than my share of squirrel antics today alone. I have laughed today, I have cried today. I have smiled and experienced the satisfaction of a day of accomplishing tasks. All in all it has been a pretty good day.
Each morning when I write in my journal I end with lovingkindness phrases, sending well-wishing intentions for myself and others.
May I be filled with lovingkindness and compassion. May I be peaceful and happy. May I be safe and protected from harm. May I be healthy and strong in body, mind, and spirit May I live with joy, ease, and wellbeing. May it be so for my family and loved ones, for my acquaintances and “enemies.” May it be so for all beings on this earth and beyond.
Sometimes the phrases vary a bit, and occasionally I add intentions that include elements of the Buddhist teachings of the “four immeasurables”: lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. I do not pretend to be an expert in these qualities, but I have been fortunate to have been introduced to them and practice them as best I can, particularly lovingkindness and compassion. When I approach my days from the perspective of these four qualities, practicing them in my daily life, moment by moment, and add to that a dash of generosity and a pinch of gratitude and I’ve concocted a recipe for a good life. I’m looking forward to seeing what I manage to cook up.
Can I Come In?
