Remembering and Reconnecting

"I have arrived.  I am home."

This is a mantra that is used for walking meditation in the Engaged Buddhism tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh.  Instead of walking to get somewhere, walking meditation is about being present to each step, each breath, in the present moment, and realizing you've already arrived; you can be at home here and now.

I recently had the opportunity to do some walking meditation when I attended a local sangha's regular gathering because they had invited a special guest nun and dharma teacher with the Order of Engaged Buddhism, Sr. Ocean.  What made this particular walking meditation so special is that it took place at Eden Theological Seminary where I am currently a student.  There was something so satisfying and joy inducing to be in a sangha that follows in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh at the same place I am studying to be a Christian minister.  It was this beautiful coalescing of traditions that have shaped me.

This repeated phrase, "I have arrived.  I am home." was particularly moving as I slowly walked around the front quad at Eden, thinking about how I get to claim this place and space as a spiritual home, and I get to claim my arrival and presence here.  I have arrived.  I am home.

I also chose to do the walking barefoot, because part of being in the present is connecting to all that is around and within me, really feeling each step on the earth.  When was the last time you intentionally walked barefoot through the grass?  Re-connecting with earth, feeling the grass between my toes, splashing in the water fountains, delighting in the sun and flowers - what joy and thanksgiving!

I was reminded of a line from the Little Prince which I had just re-watched the day before: the problem isn't growing older, the problem is forgetting.  When did we forget how to be present and delight in creation?  Because kids know how to do this so well.  We have to remember.  We have to reconnect - to ourselves, to one another, to all living beings, the whole of creation, the Divine.  Slow down.  Breathe deep.  Be present.  Let joy overflow in you and through you.  Know that you have arrived right here, right now.  You are home.  And it is wonderful.

Remember.  Reclaim.  Reconnect.