Sunrise

I woke at 7 this morning, and the light outside was pale blue. Mars, a red shimmering dot, hung above the community house I walk to in the mornings to make breakfast. Mars is in retrograde, and if you follow astrology, it means its an important time to investigate conflict and aggression.

I wrote a few vows in my week planner this morning about anxiety and fear. Then I more or less accidentally started meditating, just following my breath.

After sitting for about 15 minutes, I suddenly realized that my shoulders were raised towards my ears, and forward. I was sitting in a posture that was a total protective gesture, as if I were about to be attacked.

It's interesting to see how my body reflects how I'm feeling, without even being aware really.

So as I sat there I relaxed the tension in my shoulders and let them drop. I felt more relaxed overall.

Outside the pale blue light had grown to suffuse the field below, and a few clouds had appeared. Mars was gone, and soon enough, the sun rose over the trees to the east.