Take a Breath. Now Another.

I have a favorite resting place.

Hidden within the small copse of trees

just behind the house.

Tucked in the shade of the cedar elms, this spot lets me swing comfortably, even on the hottest of days.

I feel rather invisible to the world around me as I pull up my limbs and mold myself into the woven cords.

Suspended in a womb of sorts.

My mind grows still here.

My breathing slows.

And deepens.

I often begin reading a book,

but soon set it aside and begin to focus on my surroundings.  

I let my eyes wander upward...

                                      and outward. 

Noting the shadow and sunlight patterns

with an absent-minded, dreamy focus.

The gentle breeze cools me and then entertains me

 as it plays among these old chimes.

In the hush of this place, my closest neighbors make not a sound as they draw near.

I watch them through the framework of the cords that suspend my woven chair onto the tree limb.

It is as if they don't even see me curled in this swinging chair.

Or it doesn't matter.  

They wander around so close that I could almost touch their softness. 

Underneath me grows this unobtrusive plant with the most unremarkable blue flowers.  Not much.

Yet, as its name "Butterfly Mist" describes,

it is covered with the prettiest orange butterflies

this time of year.  They flutter from bloom to bloom.

Lovely and silent.

 So much of my life involves multi-tasking and

list making.  I get satisfaction as I check off my lengthy to-do lists.  Audio books let me enjoy "reading" without the sitting still.  I usually have music playing throughout the house.  
This life is my choice.

And yet...

the moments I spend hiding in my tree swing

are so--

Healing.  Restful.  Peaceful.  Quiet.  Soothing.

Even necessary.

As a matter of fact, I think I'll turn off this computer and head out to the trees for a little while before evening comes.

I wish you could join me.