Updated: Nov 8, 2020
I hit a great vibration this morning.
There are these mornings where I wake up from sleeping feeling almost immediately alert, and today was one of those. I ambled into my morning mediation to get my body awake to match my mind, and when I exited my meditation I took a little more time to settle into the feeling. That's something I'm working with and on...integrating the experience of my body and mind.
This work can be tricky because I've cultivated a strong mind, both in will and sense of order.
After wrapping up in my favorite blanket, hoodie, and sweats on the couch I felt a tremendous sense of energy. Not I need to get up and do something energy but what I would describe as mental energy. My thoughts became clear but also a simmering background track and I was compelled to head outdoors.
Now, I haven't been going outside a whole lot over the COVID sheltering here in California. We've had our ups and downs with compliance like most of the U.S. Thankfully, to a lesser degree in many aspects I feel. Affirms my choice to live here. On top of COVID, we've been handling fires and the smoke, property damage, and displacement that comes with it. All in all, I don't feel compelled to go out and be out like I used to. Adding a wonderful cherry on top of my energetic mood the morning was sunny, bright, and warm. I'm unsure how it could be any more inviting.
I plopped down in one of two of my backyard chairs, freshly moist with the dew of the morning air. Through the gulps of coffee I settled into the waves of thoughts passing through my mind, a feeling that I'm used to at that point after approaching five years of mediation practice. This state is one of my favorite places and I could feel in that moment a bit of sadness and longing. I felt and thought so much that I looked over at the other chair across from me and wanted it filled.
That's when I knew I wanted to be outside. So I went on a walk.
Updated: Nov 8, 2020
You know those days when you just have a song in your head that's your whole ass mood? This morning for me it was Island Life by Janet Jackson.
Anyone who knows me probably knows how big of a Janet fan I am. Most of my major memories are connected to her fashion, music, story, or direct impact on my life. One of my all time favorite memories is a night when my mom was off to see the Rhythm Nation tour when I was a kid back in the 80s.
Little Henry loved his mom, loved Janet partially because his mom did, but also saw so much of Janet in his mother. To his delight, this particular night Ma decided to dress up in the Rhythm Nation uniform worn by Janet in the now historic long form video down to the key earring detail. Little me was distraught at the thought that I couldn't go. I remember this feeling clearly to this day. I later learned that the power went out during the show due to an intense thunderstorm that was the backdrop for the night. Only part of the show was completed.
I had this in mind when I saw an opportunity about a year ago to complete that night for both me and my mom.
Janet was doing her Metamorphosis residency in Las Vegas, and it was nearing the end of it's run serendipitously near my (and Janet's ) birthday. I picked up tickets for my mom and I to finish the Janet experience we didn't get all those years ago. To make it extra special, we got to meet Janet after the show. I thought my heart might explode watching my mom finally get to meet and talk with Janet.
So much so I completely bonked out when I got my turn and couldn't say anything to her other than "The show was amazing" repeatedly. I have never been at a loss for words in that way before. Thank goodness my little sister was there with me. I may have fainted or something. Ha.
You bet your ass that my next opportunity to meet Janet I'll keep my words about me so I can extoll to her just how deep of an impact she's had on my life.
...but for now, on this Friday, enjoy one of my favorite Janet albums named after her middle name.
Updated: Nov 8, 2020
"My brain is not the boss, it's a partner."
- Henry Williams (in a text message)