[blockquote source=”Rumi”]My heart is so small it’s almost invisible. How can you place such big sorrows in it? “Look,” He answered, “your eyes are even smaller, yet they behold the world.”[/blockquote]

Do you remember the joy in discovering rain for the very first time? The splashing through puddles, with a fearless force, and absolutely no regard to how you’ll ever get that mud out?

With toes scrunching deeply, we discovered this earth – climbing way up to the highest branches, and just for a hint of a better look. And when time was only marked by the grumblings of our bellies?

I remember my first introduction to Buddhism, a beautiful passage about the importance of being present:

[blockquote source=”Thích Nhất Hạnh”]You must be completely awake in the present to enjoy the tea.
Only in the awareness of the present, can your hands feel the pleasant warmth of the cup.
Only in the present, can you savor the aroma, taste the sweetness, appreciate the delicacy.
If you are ruminating about the past, or worrying about the future, you will completely miss the experience of enjoying the cup of tea.
You will look down at the cup, and the tea will be gone.
Life is like that.
If you are not fully present, you will look around and it will be gone.
You will have missed the feel, the aroma, the delicacy and beauty of life.
It will seem to be speeding past you. The past is finished.
Learn from it and let it go.
The future is not even here yet. Plan for it, but do not waste your time worrying about it.
Worrying is worthless.
When you stop ruminating about what has already happened, when you stop worrying about what might never happen, then you will be in the present moment.
Then you will begin to experience joy in life.[/blockquote]

At the time, I thought I understood its meaning – pay attention. Oh, but it’s so very much more than that.

For, just as the Lotus in breaking free of this earth finally realizes the magnitude and brilliance of light – so too, may we discover through the course of our own challenges.

In breaking through, we are breaking free – and that, my dears, is the basis of our awakening.

When everything becomes new, once again.

Even the tiniest of rain drops can become a thrilling new miracle.

Namaste, and much love on this day, my dears ~ and may we all embrace dear Kayden’s unbridled sense of discovery in each of our every moments.

Kayden + Rain from Nicole Byon on Vimeo.