TODAY
by Dr. Timothy Seelig
Today, I woke with renewed anticipation of a new day. “Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. And what to my wondering eye did appear?”
A huge mess, that’s what.
A quick look around revealed pain and suffering of Biblical proportions — surely harbingers of the end times. The temptation was to return to the fluffy down comforter that had moments ago offered me sanctuary from all the woes of the world. It was even still warm.
But no, that was not my calling for this day. I was called to more. To do better. But where could I find the strength to fight? By looking inside. OK, here we go.
Sit quietly. Close your eyes (which you can’t actually do because you have to keep reading. Just pretend.) Take in a deep cleansing breath. Then another. At the top of that second breath, gather all the thoughts you have of fear and dread and anger. Hold it as long as it takes to think of every last one of them. Some may even have faces! It may take a while. You may turn blue. Not to worry, you can’t die from holding your breath. Then let that breath go and as you do, send those nasty particles as far away as you can (more than 6 feet). Make sure it is a complete emptying of the clutter. Hold the empty for a moment thinking of only joy and peace and those who bring it. Then with a slow inhalation, bring in only beauty. (You may have to rinse and repeat throughout the day!)
This day will be a great day. It will be great because you heeded the call!
A joy-filled day to all and to all a goodnight. – Tim Seelig
Tim Seelig is an American conductor, singer, educator, author, and very proud grandfather. He is the Artistic Director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. In addition, he guest-conducts and presents workshops in the US and around the world.
