Tiger the cat doesn't apologize for being scared—his fur stands on end, and he dashes under the deck to hide. He isn't afraid to ask for what he wants, and he rests when he needs to. He is the ultimate maestro, having taken a seat in the middle of his life.

Maybe you think that you can't meditate because the inner critic is so very loud for you. Your mind might even tell you that you are a hopeless case and that you might as well not even try (anything, whether it is meditation or a new hobby like stand-up paddle board).

I walked outside the morning after Bear's visit, and two of my car doors were open. I could barely believe it, but there were muddy, bear-shaped paw prints next to the handles. Bear opened my car using the door handles!

There were parts of an old railway line, parts of a horse drawn carriage and a bag of used kitty litter. There was more below the surface than was obvious and we needed help to get the bigger stuff out.

Our mindfulness practice is not about stopping thought or stories, but rather to see clearly and be willing to let go of those thoughts that aren't serving us. You probably already know which thoughts aren't serving you! 

But now, I have put down roots, become habituated and life feels more mundane. Plus there is so much to worry about - climate change, war, and politics. The 'honeymoon' is over and my inspiration is wobbly. Can you relate?

So off we went, armed with heavy-duty garbage bags. We crossed the creek, climbing over downed trees, and entered the cool, fern-filled redwood forest. After filling the big bags with toxic evidence of past human endeavors—plastic, fiberglass, and plywood—we walked back, skirting the poison oak and across the creek in time to share a delicious, hearty meal.

Heat wave coming? No problem; we can work in the woods instead of the garden. Really, who knows what will happen. Do you? Something is always bound to happen, and it can be unexpected!

I have to say, the sympathetic questions about the water catch me by surprise because my mind has already moved on to the next worry. It is like a Fourth of July parade around here, except that instead of marching bands and floats there are problems, hitches, mix-ups, quandaries and conundrums.

The water tank was empty, and for some reason it wasn't filling from the spring.

We can think of life like a big art project that doesn't have an ending in sight.

The other day, I was in a yoga posture with my leg extended out behind me, and Tiger bit my big toe!

It was life, messy and beautiful.

Think of the frog - someone (ok, me) ate his home.

I am in a dispute with a woodpecker!

Experience a huge amount of freedom when we remember that the winds of change blow through everyone's time on earth.

Life can feel like we are always rushing to catch the bus with one foot ahead and the mind racing to complete everything. 

What can we do when there is a rock in the road?

It hasn't happened yet and we don't know what the future brings.

The antlers drop off this time of year and regrow, each year a little bigger.