Life is change, constant, unending, almost rhythmic at times, and yet not always discernable. But if you open your mind to change, recognize it's ever present nature and embrace its mystery, it becomes a comforting fact. Some of the changes may not be welcome. Some are an unconscious relief.  Our bodies change everyday. We age, we see the wrinkles, the sagging skin, the aches and pains are more prevalent and sometimes we suffer disease. And yet, our minds can become more fluid, we can discover openmindedness, we learn to forgive easily and the anger subsides. The mind may lose its sharpness, but with its rounding, we can experience a gentleness and acceptance. Some of these changes are necessary to endure the pain that life has brought to us. Some are necessary to understanding of life's journey. Impermanence is the essence of life.

I believe I have moved into a stage of my life where, if I am going to understand my experiences in this lifetime, my world must be quieted. The most joy of reflection I find is to be in my surroundings without distraction. My journey over the last five years has been one of a lot of noise - the noise of seeking and hoping for answers in the noise that comes at me from the outside. This morning, I am sitting in front of my east window and relishing the sun on my face, not thinking of the agenda for the day, but just feeling and listening to the marvelous earth that I place my feet on, because today, my feet are still here and someday they will not be.

I can't change what's happened, although at times wish with all my heart I could. I can only guide what happens to me next, and even that becomes a lesson in futility. I can eat healthily, exercise, still my mind and my tasks, not be so driven to "do" but just "be." I think I have finally come to the realization that it's ok to just be. Now is the time to simplify, make what's left of my journey in this world lighter. There are many things I do and there are times I wish there was just one thing, or even nothing that I could focus on. But I was born with these things in me. I've always felt a need to share and experience the things I can do. They, however, must not consume me and I must give myself time to be still and reflect, to take care of myself both physically and mentally. For, in the end, it is not what we leave behind that is so important, it is how we have connected our mind and body to the earth that has given us life, the ability to love and to accept love. It is recognizing the inner connectedness of all of us that gives us meaning.

It is time to quiet the mind and ponder this experience called life. Prepare the body for the road ahead and ask of it things it can do without burden. Lighten its burden. Understand it has worked hard to get you where you are today. Clean out the pantry of indulgences and gather those things that will be gentle on its tasks. Don't wait until the body tells you it is tired and needs a lessening of the things we ask of it. The same is for the mind. Lessen the chains of direction and let it free. This I plan for the retirement of mind and body.