( With a nod and apology to Jackson Browne & Glenn Frey for takin’ some liberties.)
Well, I’m running down the road
Tryin’ to loosen my load
I’ve got seven worries on
My mind
All that wanna haunt me
Two that saw & gnaw me
One says it’s not even mine
How often am I running down the road, running through a list of thoughts, so consumed by the ‘what ifs’ that I am startled when I arrive at my destination –How did I get here?
call 1-800-fix-that-flat
There is roadside assistance available when the coulda/woulda/shouldas take control of your steering wheel. I find support shows up immediately when I take a look out the window and take in the sight of Helianthus annuus. Yes, I’m talking about the common sunflower; available 24/7, no membership required.
Consider the qualities of this plant: It’s tough. It’s scrappy; unfazed by zillions of ants. You will find it sprouting in arid terrain with a dust index level (DIL) that keeps Kleenex profits in the green and yet the sunflower still manages to rise up and bloom in solar arrows of the most audacious hue.
willpower = horsepower
This roadside “weed” most of us drive past on a daily basis says to me: stay present and look out the window instead of into the done/over-withs or maybe/what-ifs. When I see its bright yellow it reminds me to check in with my solar plexus chakra –the point from which we take action to express our courage and willpower- our reason to be here. I ask myself: How am I translating my brightness into the world? What would courage have me do today?
So the next time you’re sidelined by worries & insecurities, think about the faithful, sturdy common sunflower. It holds the key to help get you back on the road.
What will courage have you do today?
We’ll be talking about the solar plexus at the next Chakra Balancing class. Join us!
Thanks for spending a moment with me looking at things from ground level,
PS Feeling the need for a road song? Vintage Eagles here or the mature and natty Eagles’ version here.
UPDATE: A hand-knit pair of red wool socks is in progress for the first-ever winner of the Hummingbird Alchemy subscription contest! Hopefully she’ll share pictures with us. Thanks to everyone who participated!