Day 3,399

Growth:

There is a part of Fahrenheit 451 that really pulls at my soul. Clarisse is a joyful spirit who creates happiness in so many little moments of life, like tasting raindrops fresh from the sky. As she interacts with Montag it becomes readily apparent that she cannot comprehend how he is so unhappy, why anyone who is alive doesn’t feel the same joy as she does.

Montag, on the other hand, is woefully unhappy, though he has been for so long that he doesn’t even quite realize it until Clarisse wakes him from his slumber with a simple question:

“Are you happy?”

From that moment on the seed of question, of awakening, germinates and starts to take root.

As I re-read Awareness by Anthony de Mello (again), there was a moment which struck like a church bell on a cold and still winter morning. de Mello shared a story of awakening versus being asleep and it was almost word for word the soundtrack of Montag’s thoughts immediately after the question. As a result of Clarisse’s simple and innocent question Montag was awakened and spends the rest of the story in search of the enlightenment of Clarisse.

The first time I read that question in Fahrenheit 451 I paused and was almost brought to tears. I read it, reread it, and reread it. To see it appear through the fog from another beloved source was astounding.

A simple question we call ask ourselves at any time, “Are you happy?” Ask, pause, listen to your soul, and respond with gusto. I’m thankful I did.

Appreciation:

Once the boys were old enough for Becky and I to leave them home alone we started a habit which continues to this day. Three mornings each week we knock out an early morning jog. This has been an invigorating way to get exercise in with regularity AND have some guaranteed quiet time for the two of us.

After so many repetitions it is easy to forget why I appreciate this so much. This morning I was reminded of how grateful I am for starting my day with her, the opportunity to connect before the chaos and busyness of life. I can’t think of a habit which has provided more long term joy on so many levels.

Presence:

With the busyness of life at the moment I find myself relaxing alone in an unknown house. I sit in the bathtub and enjoy the quiet sound of nothing. My mind is calm, my soul at peace. Relaxation and quiet in the calm of the storm.

Thanks!!!