Stillness

I woke up before daylight this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. I slipped out of bed and put on a pot of coffee, then stepped out on the deck for the local forecast. A gentle breeze out of the southwest stirred the wind chimes, and I took a moment to contemplate my life and whatnot.
When I realized how nice it felt, I stepped inside to get a couch pillow and a blanket, before settling in on the antique glider. My knees squeaked as I folded them into a seated yoga  position, but the pain subsided after a few moments and I began to focus on my breathing.
Off in the distance I heard a rooster crowing which came to the attention of our roosters, and soon there was a crowing contest. The sound of a commercial jet five miles overhead swept through my aural landscape and it was like listening to the lead part of "All Along the Watchtower" as played by Jimi Hendrix. It was a cool effect that I had not noticed in years. I thank the stillness for this gift.

I have not meditated enough lately. It's not something I notice right off, but then things begin to close in on me. At first I tell myself I'm too busy and don't have time to meditate, or I make up some other lame excuse. But then all of a sudden, I find myself gritting my teeth for no apparent reason.
There's a lot of static in my life and from what I gather, it's not a problem unique to me. The only way I can put things back into perspective, is to go within....take some time feeling the wind on my face, and listening to the stereo effect of a passing jet....to listen to birds...and to be conscience of my breath as it cools and warms my nose.
This evening I walked down to the garden fence and stood for a while thinking. I shot this photo of the western horizon just after sunset.
Tonight I feel taller.
If you're stressed, do yourself a favor and take a few quite moments for yourself. Go within and just breathe. I think you'll be glad you did.