I was cutting up wedges of grapefruit this morning, memories of my Memere (that’s French Canadian for grandmother) floating lazily through my mind. She cut up grapefruit and oranges twice per day, carefully slicing them in half, then cutting out the wedges of pink and orange fruit with careful precision and grace. There was never any rush- she had all the time in the world to slice and savor.
I noticed this morning how the repetitive cutting motion brought me into a sort of “zone” where everything was still. And I was reminded that meditation doesn’t have to happen while seated on a pillow with your hands on your knees, palms face up. Granted, you may reach a higher energetic vibration and be able to connect with the divine at a greater intensity if you sit in padmasana, or lotus pose. But, sometimes the moments of the day flash quicker than usual, and we’re busy, busy, busy. So I think it’s ok and probably pretty important to find alternative moments of peace and stillness in your day that supplement the traditional meditation style.
Another peace I’ve noticed recently is when I’m driving. What?! Well, don’t get me wrong, I still get annoyed with other drivers, despite my “I love you” mantra. But I’ve learned that I get a lot less stressed if it’s quiet in my car. So I turn off that blasted radio. I sit in silence. It used to make me uncomfortable to drive in silence, but now I like it. I feel that I am more aware of my surroundings, and I enjoy the moments of contemplation that follow when not distracted by lyrics that I usually don’t understand anyway. It’s probably safer for me to stop changing radio stations every 60 seconds, too (I’m not a big fan of commercials!).
So there you have it. Some simple, effective ways to invite some stillness into your day: Cut up a grapefruit, and turn off the car stereo. My, how inventive I am! 
What other unusual moments bring you peace throughout your day?
Choose love,
Grace
I love this reminder about taking the time to breathe and be present in any moment during the day. Driving reminds me of yoga so much where I sometimes have to breathe and let go even when I’m terribly uncomfortable with the maddening traffic. Thanks!
There is a great park with trails where I live. I try to go for a walk 3-5 times a week. When I first started going I would pop on my iPod and be off. One day I just didn’t feel like listening to the music I had, so I decided to go without and loved it! It’s much easier to free your mind and escape from the stresses of the day without music in your ears. I don’t bother bringing my iPod anymore. Oh and I pretty much always start my day with a grapefruit. Yum!
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Isn’t it amazing how the universe gives us little “accidental” reminders to pay attention to nature- and the present moment?! I hadn’t eaten a grapefruit in a while- think I’ll have to start buying them more regularly!