Camping Brings Present Moment Awareness

I am not a happy camper. No, I mean it, I completely dislike camping. The thought of being dirty, cold and "at one with nature" does absolutely nothing for me. But, alas my boyfriend enjoys camping and so, I went camping.

To be honest, I was miserable. I had a horrible time trying to be "positive" and generally wailed about the conditions of zero running water, insects (which, no doubt due to my low vibration, ate me alive) and sleeping on the ground. I lay wide awake all night counting the hours until sunrise and the time to go home.

But, there was a light (so to speak!) at the end of the tunnel. I realized that I spent 36 hours consumed in present moment awareness. I did not worry about work, school, relationships - none of it. Instead, I lived in that time, moment by moment, to meet my needs for survival . I also learned tremendous gratitude like I've never felt before. I am SO GRATEFUL for running water, hot showers, the toilet - even toilet paper!!! My current bed often aggravates my back, however, I have never been more grateful for it than when I was sleeping on a deflated air mattress in a smelly tent in the middle of the forest.

So yes, while I initially bemoaned my camping experience, it taught me much more than a weekend spent in the confines of my comfortable home, surrounded by amenities that make my life so much easier.

Today, I stand in absolute and complete gratitude for the blessings in my life - both large and small. My journal entry Saturday morning was filled with gratitude items that had never before made my list. For all of that, I must say, "Thank you universe!" and "Thank you boyfriend!" - I needed that lesson.

In love,
Heather