Coming from the sense of ego attachment to past hurts, this is very liberating and exciting, but still a bit scary. The concept is not new of course but the practice is stalled. The tardy student. An invitation to let go of all I've been carrying for so long. Feeling relaxed tonight, on a whim I take kitty for a stroll (she's accustomed to leash walking) and I 'test' it. Be where you are now. Relax any tightness. Drop those shoulders. Gentle and slow. Observe, bring inner attention to bear. There's something there alright. My spine tingles at this awareness. So subtle, and it must be held so delicately or risk it slipping away. The world is so rich and magical from this place. Im more relaxed than usual and kitty feels this and is calmer herself, bolder. I let her lead and we freewheel, not far but even though the area is familiar, I see things in a new way. We stop and I'm comforted and grounded by the lazy scree of a cricket. Drop those shoulders. Like clouds parting I look at my apartment from the walk and it's no longer a prison but a ship in the night against a backdrop of sultry sunset-kissed clouds, taking me if I allow it, to new horizons. I resist so much at what so very much wants to happen. Mind is telling stories again, come back to here, now. We rest at a great oak. Stop in front a building marked by the word Aztech and a matching circular sign with a terra cotta sun. Stop in front a flag that says "welcome". Breathe. Drop those shoulders for the tenth time. I am so tight! To the back of the building where we sit and watch a bunny. I look for stars amidst the clouds and remember a dream, peering deep into another part of the galaxy and the feeling is indescribable. Space is so much fuller and more alive than I realized. Now to make this my daily orientation. Can I hold it even through my distortions and challenging interactions? Can I learn to keep letting go in the moment? Stay fully present and aware in every moment? With these connections and supports, methinks yes. I contract down a bit knowing I will inevitably fall again, but my faith is increasing in myself bit by bit with the help of friends. Thank you friends🙏