As I look at the month of June in my calendar, I am in awe of the number of events that can be written in one "box" that represents a day. I know I'm not alone. Thank goodness for scroll buttons and alerts.
June is one of my busiest months of the year (second only to December). The William Tell Overture starts to play in my head as I busily prepare for the last few weeks of teaching my classes, work for my business (admin, studio stuff and updating two websites). Add to the mix; "end of the year" catch-ups, a covid-style high school graduation celebration for Em, and preparing for the regulations with international travel during covid.
I should mention that during this time, I am also completing an online training course on mindfulness techniques and restorative practices which I will use for my upcoming Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat (Believe me, the irony is not lost).
I marvel at the skill of multitasking. Like a satisfying game of Tetris, I combine an antigen test with a lunch meeting, a covid vaccine with recycling and grocery shopping, a call with a website developer on Zoom while folding laundry and defrosting the freezer. (Zoom meetings have upped the ante in the multi-tasking department.)
No wonder one of my favorite classic paintings, "Flaming June" by Frederic Leighton (above) is of a woman curled up on a chair...asleep. My own flaming June portrait would be more like a disheveled-looking woman in yoga pants, passed out on the couch, next to a pile of laundry and a cat.
The moments during a big trip also have a certain vigor as I try to pack in as much quality time with family and friends. Time has taken on a new preciousness with covid and living on the other side of the world from people I dearly love.
The William Tell Overture plays a little louder, “Hurry!” my mind says. "Catch up with the whole family and friends before you have to get back onto that 11-hour return flight.” But, “Slow down!” my heart reminds me, “These are quality moments.”
This morning, a dear friend (thank you Claire) helps to lower the volume of the Ouverture and reminds me, “Just for today.”
Just for today, I can focus on the things that need to be done, moment by moment. Just for today, I can try not to get too far ahead of myself. Just for today, I can remember the stillness available in one...conscious...breath.
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