We create our experiences in our minds

​Yesterday I took my dog, Jaz, for a walk and it was cold and windy. All of a sudden I realized that I was hunched forward, with my shoulders up and head down. I caught the thought, "ugh, I can't believe it's May and it's so cold!" and realized that I was rushing to get back to the comfort of home.

Then in my mind, I heard "STOP!" and felt a little jolt go through my body. A deeper awareness flooded through me.  I had the realization that yes, it was cold, but it was also exhilarating! I lifted my head, stood up straighter, closed my eyes, and breathed in deeply. When I opened my eyes and looked around, I saw so much beauty around me. I looked down and noticed this blue rock nestled in this little running brook.

Life was happening around me and yet I had caught myself living completely in my head - creating the experience I was having and believing the story it was telling me, (that cold equals "bad", that it was unfair because it was Spring, that if I just hurried up, the future moment would somehow be better).
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After pausing to soak up my surrounding, I broke into a run (p.s. I'm not a runner). I felt like I was flying and all of a sudden, the same wind that I had been cursing and wishing away just a few moments before, felt invigorating!

I looked down at Jaz, running beside me, and she looked up at me with the biggest, goofiest grin. In that moment, we were both embracing our experience and loving life and our ability to take it all in.

And yet nothing had changed except what was going on in my mind. Have you had experiences like this? I would love to hear them if you have! 💚