The Lemonade Stand

As we round the final lap of May, now might be a good time to notice the pace of life. It seems the days, weeks and months move at rapid speed. It is almost like we are attempting to qualify for a good position in the race we call “Life.” Finding affordable housing, purchasing a newer vehicle, getting that promotion at work, and by all means paying into our retirement all require our focused attention. Yep, that retirement looks mighty good when the pace of life is at warp speed. I used to think that “warp speed” naturally happened as one gets older; however, even young people are scratching their heads at how to meet all the demands of life; grading periods, exams, choosing a career, and, of course, the many decisions to be made about what to do after graduation. Whatever our age, it seems finding the time to simply sit still and breathe is a daunting task.
In today’s society the “next step” seems an endless reality. The pressure to get everything you want to do, accomplish, search for, and offer your family, seems an endless list. At this very moment, pause, take a few deep breaths and listen to your breath. Quiet your mind and see how long you can simply focus on your breathing. If you can do this without any thoughts for even five minutes you’re doing great. Silence is a very unappreciated gift. In the moments when you sit in perfect silence your head chatter begins. Just keep going back to your breath until the chatter slows down. It is amazing how the stress lessens when only silence can be “heard.”
I recently watched an old movie, “The Last Samurai.” There was a powerful moment when an American soldier is attempting to learn a Samarian defense skill. After many attempts and getting struck by the large stick they were using, a Samarian warrior walks over to the American and simply states, “Too many minds.” How many of us have “Too many minds?” It is fair to say, most of us do. And when our head is full of what to do next; how to accomplish something, shuttling our kids somewhere, completing a task at work, and for heaven’s sake making certain we pick up a gallon of milk on our way home from work, it’s not surprising most of us are worn out by the time we walk through the front door.
As we conclude May, consider the state of your mental health. Is there time to simply enjoy a conversation without a cellphone at your side, the sound of music or the TV blaring in the background and your head thinking about somebody or something? There are four major areas of life: Physical, Emotional, Intellectual and Spiritual, or as some people are more comfortably saying, Reaching your full potential. Keeping those four areas in balance takes a solid understanding of them and the ability to daily do a “check-in” of each.
Many people have asked me what I actually do. On a recent walk the answer came to me. “I have a Lemonade Stand.” I used to think of myself as a mathematician since I always take situations and reduce them to the simplest form. That has helped me set up a Lemonade Stand. When the fires of life present a situation that seems confusing, daunting, unclear, or befuddled, reach out.  As human’s we need each other.  Together, we can squeeze the “lemons” you are confronting, and with the assistance of your brilliant Head and beautiful Heart, make a wonderfully cool and refreshing glass of lemonade. 
 
The Flower Moon, May 23, heralds in the Clan Mother for June, “Storyteller,” who offers to help you learn how to “Speak the Truth.” It is the stories we tell ourselves about life, global and political events, and past experiences that shapes who we are at this moment. Consider noticing that beautiful moon and ask for assistance with carefully and honestly looking at the stories you have told yourself.

​If you would like to learn more about the four core areas of being human and ways to bring them into balance each day, consider signing up for the “Using the Mandala as a Compass to Find your True North.” Read more about it in our Community Events link. www.headtohearttalks.com While you’re at it check out the 13 Original Clan Mothers link and scroll down to Storyteller. Read the brief summary about her and answer the questions that follow. You just might find out something you “Didn’t know, you didn’t know!”  

Remember, life is not a Race, it's a steady, enjoyable, paced journey
Enjoy the cool, refreshing Lemonade!