The Extraordinary Answer

It was ordinary conversation at an ordinary dinner.
It was an ordinary question. It was the answer that most surprised me.

She asked about this practice. She asked what it is? She asked why?
She asked what motivates me to return... and repeat...and begin again - day after day?

Of course - I had all of the usual and expected answers.
It grounds.
It centers.
It quiets and calms.

It allows me to feel with my body instead of think with my ever-thinking mind.

It keeps me strong. It lets me see.
It connects me to that peaceful center that resides deep inside.

There are so many obvious reasons - I said -  that I do what I do as I do everyday.

But then - I thought some more.
About where I'm at...and where I've been...and how I have no real idea of where it is I'm going.

My practice has become a simple one of gratitude.
Gratitude for my left big toe and right pinky finger.
Gratitude for the strength of my body and the quiet of my mind.
Gratitude for the morning - dark and fog...or rain and snow.
Gratitude for the light.
Gratitude for the gift of sight.
Gratitude for the opportunity to show up...to be here...to breathe in nature's endless bountiful beauty.

It's become my own quiet way of marking the day.
Reminding me.

Of my hopes...my fears. My sadness....my joy.
My wildest daydreams.
My insignificance...and my possibility.
One more time. One more way.

The extraordinary answer surprised me.