Witnessing Sunrise and other Miracles of Unstuckness

Finally, after what seems like a lifetime, I am once more enjoying the joys of movement…

Walking is a miracle 

My morning walks are back in the picture after taking time off to recover and heal after surgery.  

Raindrops are miracles

Nothing offers perspective like being immobilised by dis-ease. And I mean this both literally and figuratively. 

Flowers in bloom are miracles

For quite a while, pain and discomfort have had a hand in hijacking my life and thanks to a series of events, I can safely say I am on a path of healing, self -awareness and recovery. 

Changing seasons are miracles 

I admit I now understand when we find ourselves fumbling with words to describe the intensity of life when it plays a cruel hand. I have a renewed appreciation for the invention of emojis that express a range of emotions and sprinkle it with humour. And on that note…

🙀🫠😶😵‍💫😵😨😳🥵😶‍🌫️🤯🫨🙂

*LOL*

Let's just say life can be an adventure with some thrilling moments you didn’t sign up for, and thank goodness for the gifts of emojis and a healthy dose of laughter because it helps.

Trees fruiting are miracles

But, I digress…today I reflect on a memory I intentionally kept at my lowest. At the height of what seemed like terrible discomfort, I promised myself that once I got back on my feet, I would relish each moment as much as possible. 

For instance, to get up in bed with a sense of ease to take a short dawn stroll independently was a dream come true again. 

Once again, I feel the cold bite of the morning breeze on my cheeks. I witness the sun commence its journey to the sky, its throne…illuminating and governing all of our days. I watch in awe each time how twilight gives in to the vibrant fiery sun rays that lap up every shadow in its sight. It truly is a miracle to watch.

Sunrise is a miracle 

Then there is that distinct morning dew and earthy scent...nature’s own freshness. A sensory reminder that the prospects to start afresh is always available to us if we should so desire...

I suppose this is one of the reasons so many people find walking therapeutic—pacing and slowing things down enough, internally and externally, reconnecting with ourselves and the world around us. 

Life itself is a miracle 

I am reminded of one of many profound teachings of Thich Nhat Han on how we may expand our ability to notice miracles...

“AROUND US, LIFE bursts forth with miracles—a glass of water, a ray of sunshine, a leaf, a caterpillar, a flower, laughter, raindrops. If you live in awareness, it is easy to see miracles everywhere. Each human being is a multiplicity of miracles... When we are tired and feel discouraged by life’s daily struggles, we may not notice these miracles, but they are always there.” 

Your True Home: The Everyday Wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh

It is not an easy pill to swallow when you realise how often we get in the way of our own joy and fulfilment. Thankfully, we have everything we need to within ourselves to restore what we lost or gave up in order to survive. 

For me, pain has been an exacting teacher. In those bleak moments, I renewed my inner covenants not to allow myself to be held back or ambushed by fear and self-doubt once I regain my strength. 

I am learning that I am who I need the most.

Seizing each moment and not taking anything or anyone for granted takes on a renewed meaning.

So here I am, a survivor…mustering the energy no matter how small to get up and move … Move because its how I access and embody freedom… Move to not just survive but thrive and live in this now moment. 

May anyone saddled with physical or spiritual affliction reading this find ways to move from stuckness. Its temporal and you have the means to shift how it makes you feel.

May you find spaciousness and calm to witness even the tiniest sliver of a miracle that is your existence.