mysterious chaos is my meditation

I was “today year’s old” when I realized why I find it so difficult to focus/meditate in the beauty that is my home. If you saw where I live, you’d assume it was the perfect place to meditate. There is a beautiful, seasonally lush greenbelt behind my house. A lovely creek with various animals from deer, squirrels, foxes and sometimes bobcats. Many people travel to places that look much like my home just to relax and quite the mind.

It’s crazy to me that I can’t seem to focus when staring out into this beautifully created sanctuary. What I found even more interesting is now (while on vacation) I went to spend some time at the ocean. I found so much peace in the chaos of the waves. I began to notice patterns within this chaos. My mind was quiet, my focus was on the crashing of the waves, the sound of power, the mystery of what’s beneath. As I came out of my “trance,” I began to realize I’ve always loved the beach (although it’s not lost on me that I grew up in Southern California), bonfires were my favorite. The beaches were less crowded at night and there was much more time to be had just sitting and staring while the sun set.

Maybe I have what some call “type A” brain where meditation is too “still” for me. It seems the ocean in all it’s glorious madness keeps my mind occupied. There’s so much going on, my mind jumps in every time just exploring and watching in amazement while it provides a transcendent miraculous water show for all.

This morning while sitting on the balcony with my coffee, I find myself with a beautiful view of lush tropical trees, and chirping birds, the color of green so vibrant. I thank God for it all as I attempt to pray/meditate; but guess what happened? My mind immediately began to wander. I begin to think about work, childhood memories, the day’s plans, etc.… I stop and start praying again… “Thank You Father for …” Ugh! I think it’s time for me to go down to the ocean.

I encourage you to find your “meditation/quite place.” It could just be amongst others perception of chaos.