Lake Ontario: Sept 13 - 19

I grew up in Hamlin, a small town on the shore of Lake Ontario. My mom still lives there. Recently I visited her for a week. Dorothy's classic line from the Wizard of Oz comes to mind, "There is no place like home." but my favorite line comes in the scene just before where Glinda asks Dorothy what she has learned. She says, "If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own backyard. Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with!"

It was interesting to return to my childhood home as I saw it through the eyes of my 10-year-old self, my sixty something year old self, and all of my selves in between. The neighborhood and the lake look much the same and yet it is not difficult to see the changes that have taken place over the years. I suppose it is equally true that you can never truly go back home. Partially because home doesn't stay the same but more importantly, I'm not the same.

Mindfulness taught me to make room for all of my selves, especially the ones that make me cringe when I look back. Somehow, I needed all of them to discover my true self. I'm grateful to feel at home these days, especially in my own backyard.

Practice

Today, I invite you to stroll through memory lane. To begin, find a spot where you can settle in and relax. Get comfortable in a favorite chair or a sunny spot in your backyard.

Place your hand on your heart and recall an early memory from your childhood. Remember your playful, innocent, young self. Maybe you also remember those who loved you and supported you. Imagine sitting beside your child self. Offer lovingkindness to this little one. Envision both of you surrounded by the compassion and love of your wiser self. Remain in this moment as long as you wish.

Now recall your young adult self. See the difficult times, the triumphs, and the dreams. Remember to regard yourself in a non-judgmental way with patience and gentleness. What lessons did you need to learn for yourself? Maybe you needed to leave home to discover what matters most. Make room for whatever arises. Looks at your past through the eyes of your current self. See what is the same and what has changed. Remain in this moment as long as you wish.

Feel free to revisit other significant times in your life. Sense where these moments live in your body. What feelings surface even after all of these years? Does anything shift as you hold your earlier selves with reverence and self-care? Remain in this moment as long as you wish.

Invite all of your selves to be at home. Cherish each for the experiences and lessons they have brought you. Remember if you ever go looking for your heart's desire again, don't look any further than your own backyard. Because if it isn't there, you never really lost it to begin with!