The Zen of Mowing the Yard

     I love mowing the yard. No, really. I love it. I look forward to mowing day every week. Sometimes I cheat and mow a day early.
     Why do I love mowing? Well, there's a couple of reasons. First, it's instant gratification. I go from field to park in the matter of 30 minutes. It looks beautiful and crisp and, without my glasses, like a field of green velvet. Second, it smells great. The fresh cut grass and even the hint of engine exhaust evokes years of summer memories. Third, it's a time to enjoy the beauty of outdoor Maui.
     But probably the best part of mowing for me is that it's very centering. When I mow, I am left to my thoughts. I cannot be tempted by my beloved Internet, texting, television or reading. The years of perfecting the skill of multitasking has made me a multitasking addict. I rarely sit and do one thing, my mind is whirring like an Oster blender. When I mow, I have a good period of time to do two things - drive and think. The driving part is pretty straightforward. I know these two acres like the back of my hand. Oh sure, there are a few tricks - the crazy pukas, the baby plants, the serpentine pattern through the coffee plants, but other than that it's just back and forth, back and forth. The noise of the mower is a mantra that calms me and lets me think of a myriad of things.
     I think a lot about my children. I think about how fortunate I am that I was blessed with these amazing human beings to be part of my life. I spend a tiny amount of time in worry, but mostly I reflect on their talents and abilities. I marvel at my beautiful daughter, smile at the silly jokes we share and remember how her voice could give me goosebumps when she sang an aria. I think about my gentle giant oldest son. I wonder how so much kindness and generosity could be given to one soul. His sense of humor has been perfected to art form and he can make me laugh at the drop of a hat. Mostly, just thinking about him makes my heart warm. And when I think of my youngest, my brain begins to swirl. His energy, his drive and bravery is like a double shot of expresso on steroids. He is compelled to do the right thing and make his mark on the world in a positive way. His way is not subtle or refined, it is a whirlwind of energy and drive. I hug these thoughts and my heart nearly bursts.
     I think about my blessings. I love living in Maui. It's not perfect, but it is lovely. I think about the blessing of my eternal companion. It's true, he makes me crazy. And mowing takes me away from him for a short period of time. But he is my partner, friend and sweetheart. I wonder why I have been blessed with so much love, comfort and joy in my life. I am so grateful.
     So besides having a bee-you-tee-ful property, mowing provides a meditation that I look forward to weekly. When I mow, I see the universe in a better light. I sleep better at night. Yard work - ahhh...the zen of it.