PHOENIX GARDEN IN LONDON

  

Near my hotel in London, the Phoenix Garden is hidden away, a quiet oasis in the city. Even though the garden is closed for renovation, as I approached yesterday, i could suddenly hear birds singing. Birdsong immediately relaxed my heart.

In the city, in this busy city, I am usually walking with some tension and intention. So many things are unknown: Where am I going? How do I get there? Can I cross the street now? I have to remember, have to remember to look in the "wrong" direction for oncoming traffic. I have to be constantly alert, which adds up to stress.

Then, once in a while, I find a garden in the city, on some quiet back street. A place where birds sing. And I can relax.

Sprinkling Life with Mindfulness

I came home from the Garden Club plant sale with a sprinkler. Another sprinkler. I am weary of buying plastic sprinklers that stop oscillating for one reason or another. Fortunately, this sprinkler was free.

I like to have a sprinkler near every outdoor faucet for ease of access.

When the hot weather of life stresses us, it's good to have a mindfulness practice nearby to sprinkle our life with.

• The stress of traffic --  Driving with loving-kindness
• The stress of co-workers-- Practicing loving-kindness
• Anxiety about the future -- Bringing the mind to the present moment
• Worrying about the past  -- Bringing the mind to the present moment

Wherever you are--in the garden, at the kitchen sink, or in the car--simply become aware of the body breathing or the body sitting or standing.

Sprinkle your life with mindfulness.

Photo from deanandemma.blogspot.com