I hum a lot.

Being human is hard. We enter this physical existence and quickly lose our connection to our spiritual side. What is the saying? Children are innocent until we corrupt them? Whatever it is, I think there's truth in the idea. Children don't have fear, aren't bogged down in the "should's" of societal rules, and generally just want to follow their hearts. Often times children are brought to church or are exposed to the concept of a higher being in another way, and while it may make a little sense - soon after life starts to get complicated and the challenge begins for us to stay connected to our spirituality.

You know what I'm talking about. There's a lot of commotion called life going on - like the kids needing to finish a report for tomorrow, a storm knocking out power and therefor your alarm, dogs are having accidents in the house, never ending projects at work, the bi-annual property tax bill that needs to be paid, etc. Its tough! There's a lot of plates in the air, and I'm sure we've all been there - or have even set up permanent residence!

Nonetheless I've found myself remaining more "in touch" with my spirituality side as of late and its been a wonderful respite! The inner monologue I have feels like conversations I might have with a shaman...or like getting daily doses of really good sermons. I find that I'm taking things in stride, accepting things to be perfect as they are - regardless of whether I can see why. Most importantly, I am happier in my own skin - accepting myself as-is.

All of this seems to have manifested itself into a humming extravaganza! I catch myself humming a lot now...usually songs that are familiar to me, but really whatever comes to mind. And now that I'm comfortable enough to just be me, I do it wherever and whenever! Funny how many people I surprise as I walk by sharing a little ditty on my way :)

Walking into buildings, waiting in line, driving down the street, sitting with my dogs outside - once perfect opportunities to let the mind wander over and through the continuous to-do list or current stream of worries...now a time of peace and acceptance. Now I slow down and notice what's around me, appreciate the obvious and indirect beauty (from the wind in the trees to the delivery truck bringing food to my grocery store), enjoy the feeling that everything is exactly as it should be, and I hum along the way. Its a vicious cycle really...the more I see good things, the more I feel good, the more I hum more, the more I feel at peace and in turn notice more good things.

I'm tickled by all of this because its a taste of something I've had before but lost in the daily grind of life. Now I plan on using it as a sign post to help keep me on this path. "Awareness is the first step."

So here's to our awareness, be it through humming or some other form...may we be aware enough to fully enjoy it when it's present, aware enough to know when it's not there so we can do something about it!