relishing summer

I have been having these experiences over the last few days where I feel extremely present to the environment and surroundings about me. Those moments where you can really feel that you are alive.

I was taking a mental health break at work one day when the sun was warm, the air cool from the lake and big, showy clouds floated in the sky above me. As I walked, I paid particular attention to the air grazing my cheeks, my forehead, my lips. The air itself was delicious and I felt like I was absorbing it into a place that was dry. I was driving home last night from one of my favorite get together's of Lake Forest women, "Stitch and Bitch". There is this one stretch through a wooded area in Lake Forest where you can actually drive 50mph and normally I would be riding someone's tail if they were driving anything less. But last night, I slowed down. Not sure why, but I was driving real slow. No other cars to distract from the summer noices coming like a choir from the trees. Stars twinkled and the sky was lovely. I didn't want the woods to end, but alas I hit the Navy base eventually and my experience with the summer symphony came to a close. And then today, I lay in my pink room looking out the lovely leaded glass resting. I started to zone out and before long I was mesmerized by all the greens outside my window. Each leaf seemed to be a window of green catching light from it's own sun. I realized then that my heart was experiencing some premature grief for summer ending and brown returning. But then I changed my perspective and just laid there enjoying the green I have now and not worrying about it leaving me. I will enjoy today and treasure the life I experience this very moment.

I wonder if this is the perspective a dying person experiences knowing their days are numbered. They treasure every experience and moment that comes their way, taking it all in. Air, summer noises, and greens.