July 4th: Being

I spent today on a hike with a few friends. Nature feels like home, and I plan to do more of that this summer.

I was quietly proud I could take the steep inclines just by staying with my breath and reciting the second verse of the Tao on repeat. Friends chatted away. I listened.

Lately I have less appetite for talking. Others are welcome to compare and gab — it’s just not my style right now. Writing here feels a lot like talking to myself about myself, which is why I’ve been quiet and reposting a few older things.

As I get older I find less to think or talk about. The weather seems like a healthier topic. Sunshine and rain are gorgeous. Snow, I’m still learning to love.

Rumination still happens. I’ve noticed that talking or writing about people and things I can’t change tends to dig the hole a little deeper, so I keep the important topics with my counselor and I keep up my meditation practice.

If you want my opinion, ask. Otherwise, I’m listening.

Drop a comment if you like. This is a Bird’s July 4th story about life and also nothing in particular.

— Steph Bird