Porch Sittin’

The clouds have parted a bit and blue sky peeks through alternating grey and white cotton balls. Our silver-tip maples sing the song of wind as rustling leaves wave to the space around us. Everything has a fresh scent, washed clean by this morning’s rainfall. Sitting here on the front porch, silently witnessing the scene, I am immersed in the beauty of earth and sky.

According to legend, when Buddha was born he immediately stood up, gestured to the four directions, and said, “Here I stand between heaven and earth. In this life I shall awaken.” Sometimes I wonder if Buddha was referring to porch sittin’, the simplicity of waking up wherever we happen to be. It does not matter. Now is as good a time as any to wake up.