Everyday

I recently got back from a trip:  6 weeks away from home.  Away from my books, my tools, my computer (*gasp!) and my everyday life.  While I don't consider myself one to take my life for granted, I think it is very easy to not see what is in front of us. 

There are days where I think that I don't get much accomplished during a day.  I admit, I like to play games and read fiction and watch tv (and probably a host of other things I can't think of right now that are 'just for fun').  Being a stay at home mom, I have very little I need to do everyday, so it is pretty easy to fall into just piddling around. 

Sometimes I have practice envy.  I read about Ceremonialists who build whole rooms, with painted walls and floors, ornate altars and fancy tools....and rituals that require instruction booklets.  Or shamans who take week long vision quests.

But being away from my normal life really brought into focus all the little things that are part of my day that I don't always think about.  Daily meditation is something I have done since grade school.  Sure, I would like to expand upon it, but it is a part of my night time routine and gets done every night. 

Since I started learning chants this year, that has become a part of my day too.  I have always been a singer, and pretty much anytime I am doing anything there is a tune or words running through my mind.  Now I find myself chanting as I wash dishes or cook.

I definitely consider myself a scholar of sorts.  I am fascinated by knowledge and learning.  There are always topics that I want to learn more about.  Being away from my computer (and thus the internet) is a very trying experience for me.  Even without access to research capabilities I find myself jotting notes down of things to look up when I am able.

I think there is great value in sometimes taking a step outside of our regular life (either by choice or necessity).  You discover how much you have when you are without it.  Getting back into my everyday rhythms, I always appreciate what I have that much more.