In Real Life
Sometimes when I need reminding that real life is as (more, really) fascinating, wondrous and entertaining as what is served up through a screen, I turn to my hands. Sitting, I rest one hand in the other, palms up…. And then I notice. I notice the weight of one hand resting on the other; the weight of both hands resting on the legs. I notice the temperature of the air, of the hands, of the legs. I notice the texture of the back of the top hand as felt by the palm of bottom hand, the texture of the palm of the bottom hand as felt by the back of the top hand, the texture of the clothing. I notice the micro sensations of pulsing, tingling, life inside the hands, and the larger sensations causes by making the tiniest movements I can make with the fingers, movements so small they could hardly be seen. With eyes closed I raise one hand up, noticing the feel of air on skin as it moves through space, and then I place it across my forehead, feeling whatever is to be felt as it rests there. And then I remove it and feel what is to be felt when forehead and hand are no longer in contact. I ever-so-gently bring the two palms together and move them lightly back and forth, and then I clasp my hands, as I were holding the hand of a beloved.
Every inch of our body offers boundless opportunities for real life experience and exploration. For example, have you ever stopped to notice what your tongue feels like resting on the floor of your mouth, or all of the movements small and large that have to take place for you to swallow? Or what it feels like to move your eyes back and forth ever so slightly in their sockets?
When we access life through a screen our body becomes a sort of vestigial organ. It can be a revelatory experience to unplug for a few minutes and reconnect with all the real life within and around us.
And if you’re looking for great poetry to serve as inspiration, we recommend Ode to My Hands by Tim Seibles.
May all beings without exception connect with the life within and around them,
Your CMP Family
