Returning: March 8 - 14

In this series on mindfulness reflections and practices, we've already focused on several actions: sitting, noticing and residing. The one action that is echoes through all of the individual steps is returning. I've encouraged you to return to the breath, return to the body, and return to the present moment. I get so busy doing stuff, I forget why I'm doing whatever it is most times. I love my habits and routines but if I'm not careful, I live my life on automatic pilot and sleepwalk through the beauty and awe, the struggles and challenges of each day. Mindfulness is all about remembering who we are, recognizing the wonder of each day, and returning to our truest selves.

So, I come to the cushion each day to practice returning again and again. My mind time travels so easily to an imagined future or to a reconstructed past; however, my body is only ever in the present. So, I return to my breath as a doorway to here and now. The irony is my breath never left the present moment. My breath never needs to return because it never left. And so, I learn from the breath as I meditate each day. This returning home to myself may be the most important thing I learn to do.

We go out into the world every time we step out the front door, seeking to accomplish goals, earn a paycheck, care for family members and loved ones, but sometimes we get lost along the way. Mindfulness shows us the way back. It is a path leading back to the heart, our hearth and our home. And so, we practice coming home again and again, until we realize we never ever truly left home at all.

Practice

Imagine coming home after a long day at work or a far away trip. As you arrive at your house, feel your feet on the ground in front of the doorway. Breath in the familiar sights and sounds. Enter and put down the bags and anything else you've been carrying. Give yourself permission to fully arrive.

Take off your coat and settle into your favorite spot. Maybe close your eyes or rest your gaze downward. Hear the sounds of your life around you. Sense the breath. Relax more and more with each passing moment. Let the breath carry you into this moment as you release the concerns of the day. Be here as long as you like. Breathe in peace. Be at home.

With eyes still closed, see the room you are in. Recall the pictures on the walls, the books on the bookshelves, family photos, and special items. Settle into your life. What does home feel like? Take a moment to soak it in.

Now pay attention to whatever is arising in your heart. Listen deeply. In the inner silence, pray, sing, dream, reflect, weep, breathe. Know you can return here whenever you wish. The body and the breath always know the way home. Remember who you are. Try not to forget so quickly. Next time you go out into the world, remember home is always within you.