Oxygen is Flowing...

I recently returned from facilitating a CAM services training in Ann Arbor MI.

It had been quite a bit since I've flown anywhere due to my RV lifestyle. Arriving bright and early to the San Antonio airport, flashing thoughts of past travels impeded my mind while wheeling my luggage into the front entrance. A feeling of overwhelm?crept in and an uneasy pressure was building in my head and neck.

Isn’t it interesting how we associate places (airports, hospitals, dentist offices etc.)?with negative experiences, and how easily they impact the mind & body. We get tense just thinking about them, or when someone else tells us their unfortunate experience, because in our mind we relive the echoes.

So, I chose to “practice what I preach” and took a breath to reset my mind & nervous system. After that I was able to accept the 11hr day of travel a little easier, and the tensions in my head and neck slowly dissolved.

Then a thought popped into my mind, "I wonder what amazing people I will encounter today?"

Before I knew it, everywhere I turned there was a warm smile offering assistance - from checking my bag, security check, and other travelers. ?There were countless interactions of "thank you" and “your welcome" of generosity being shared. Yes, even at the security check point!

Walking to my gate, the bright?artwork of orange, yellow, and red seemed to jump off the walls with cheerful ceramic pieces of the sun, moon, and stars adorning the store entrances. The sun was starting to rise through the windows of the terminal area, shining brightly illuminated the decals of iconic locations of San Antonio.

Glancing down at tiles on the terminal floor, it seemed as if they formed a path, "yellow brick road," which led me to a design resembling the Myan calendar. Upon reaching the center, I briefly paused silently evoking a small prayer of gratitude for the wonderful experience.

Of all places, an airport!

After boarding the plane, I put my phone away and actually listened to the predeparture announcement. Something struck me that I hadn't heard before or I don’t recall from past experiences.

"Oxygen is flowing even if the bag doesn't inflate."

Of course they were talking about the emergency air masks, but I heard, "Life is flowing even if you do not feel it."

This was an inspirational moment that we can only experience when we are IN the moment. I was amazed how my mindfulness practice made the traveling experience more enjoyable, as the rest of the trip was seamless.

When we remove the stigmas of travel being a "pain, hectic, or grueling" by shifting the perception and focus on how we are getting from point A to point B, we can appreciate the experience traveling. Or other events.

Mindfulness?can help enhance the experience by bringing us back, see people, and things from a different perspective with a more gratitude. After all, it is remarkable that we can travel by air and at a faraway destination in a matter of hours!

I hope the next time you embark on the next adventure, even in the busiest of places like an airport, you can discover a few hidden treasures or encounter other people who are warm and friendly~ they are out there!

?How are you practicing mindfulness?

?What unexpected pleasures have you encountered?

Feel free to reach out and share through my website HERE or send me a DM.

??If you are feeling like you need a FREE Refill, Click HERE for an audio gift to revitalize your energy. ?

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We are all heading to the same destination, simply learn to lean in and trust that "Life is Flowing.” In this space we can relax, take a breath, and enjoy the journey.??

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Keep Living With Intention my friend!