Summer's definitely over.  It's still hot, and the calendar says autumn does not begin until September 22nd - but you can tell that summer is gone because the pace of life has picked up dramatically in recent days.  More meetings and phone calls, more cultural events on the calendar, more errands on the to-do list ... in short, more of everything except time to do it all!
 
If, like me, you find yourself in the fast lane once again, it can be helpful to recalibrate your inner clock by taking a break periodically.  To catch your breath, slow down the traffic on your mental racetrack, and sink into the peacefulness available in the space between your thoughts.  Sometimes it's a matter of creating opportunities for this to happen.  Use part of your lunch hour to go outdoors and sit under a tree for a few minutes.  Park at the far end of the grocery store lot, and let the trek to the front door become a brief "walking meditation." Attend a yoga class or avail yourself of our Wednesday night meditation circle.  Or maybe even drop by the lobby of the Bijou Theater at Crossroads Mall sometime during the month of September, where the Circle's vibrant exhibit of "The Sacred Art of Altars" invites you to relax and dive into a timeless sea of possibilities.  Even if you can't make it there in person, please consider spending a few minutes taking in the visual feast available when you click on the link you'll find under the "In the Circle" listing at the bottom of this newsletter.  You'll be glad you did!
 
But there's another powerful practice that doesn't require you to do anything other than what you're doing anyway.  It's simply a matter recognizing and taking advantage of the interludes that just happen:  seeing an orange traffic light as an invitation to rest for a minute, rather than being an obstacle to zoom thru.  Using the line at the checkout stand as an opportunity to count your blessings prayerfully, instead of cursing the wait impatiently. Letting the phone ring an extra time or two as you consciously place an inner smile in your voice before answering.  Or perhaps simply take this opportunity right now to sit up a little straighter at your computer, and then take a few long breaths as you read this paragraph.  To sink into this invitation to rest, feeling just how blessed you are, right here, right now ...
 
In any case, thanks for taking the time to read this.  I wish you a peaceful transition into the coming season of transformation.  And I look forward to seeing you around the Circle sometime soon  -- hopefully, this Sunday, when I'll be sharing an exciting new song of mine, plus Patti Radle's beautiful ballad, "May You Never Be Too Busy"  as well as exploring some thoughts on deepening our transformation process.  Big Fun will be had!
 
With blessings,