thoughtstomull

Planets of the Solar System (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SUNDAY:  Today is the day of sol, of that big, bright, warming orb in the sky that brings life to this planet–or death to all that would venture too near.  Today I will sit by the window, or outside in the open air, and consider the live-giving light streaming into my being.  I will consider the light that filters, however dimly, through overcast skies, even thunderclouds.  I will consider that, if I open a door from a light-filled room, light streams out into the darkness; but if open a door from a darkened room, darkness does not spill out into the light. I will ponder the shiny glimmer of sunlight reflecting off of the leaves of a tree, the light, through the miracle of photo-synthesis, that takes a sprout barely peeking its head from the soil, and transforms it into a towering tree; that turns a germinating seed into a bountiful meal at my table to nourish me.  I will let my body bathe in the sun’s life forces, I will bask in the warmth of the light penetrating my skin.  For just a few moments, today, I will ponder only the light. 

MONDAY:  Today is the day of the moon, of luna, that orb that lights our way at night, whose awesome power pulls massive oceans to and fro, that watches over lovers’ embraces, that keeps our feet firmly pressed against the ground.  Tonight, I will gaze at the moon, and consider its indescribable strength, subtly disguised in softness.  And, if clouds obscure the moon’s silvery glow, I will consider the great seas, whose tides are undeterred by clouds, or snow, or thunderstorms.  The moon’s greatness is unconcerned with such a trivial thing as the most ferocious weather.  I will peer at the shapes and patterns on the moon, and sit in wonder:  the man in the moon I saw as a child, is he still there? how many ages have those craters pocked the seemingly smooth, round face of luna?  what secrets are hidden on the dark side of the moon?

TUESDAY: Today is the day of Mars, the Roman and Greek god of war.  Today, I will, therefore, consider peace.  I will consider that, despite warring across the millenia, across the world, today my body can feel peace.  I will thank those who have died in wars, giving me peace today, aware of how fleeting peace can be.  I will acknowledge that, no matter the situation or circumstance, I have the power to access that inner peace, that stillness, at will.  I will consider that peace begins within, then emanates outward to those around me.  Today I can smile at my neighbor, at a stranger, I can soothe the spirit of a cat or a dog with the stroke of a hand on its coat.  Invisible wars wage in my body, revitalizing me.  I will feel the blood pulsing through my veins, traveling from cell to cell, warding off invaders that would otherwise harm me.  I will thank my body for its work to restore nature’s peace and balance.  I will look for a way to make peace, today, if only for one instant, if only with one person.  For a few moments, before I begin my day, I will consider peace.

WEDNESDAY:  Today is the day of Mercury, the day of movement and travel.  Today I will consider how my body and my mind move from place to place, taking me where I need to be.  I will move each finger on my hands, however quickly or slowly, and marvel at how they respond to my commands.  I will consider, with gratitude, each movement of my body, however small.  I will feel my eyes blink, touch a finger against my body and marvel at the sensation.  I will be aware of how it feels to swallow, to draw air into my lungs and then to breathe out, to feel the pulse of my heart throughout my body.  I will move my awareness from my toes to my head, joint by joint, one part of my body at a time, and give thanks to each part of me.  Where I feel pain, or where I cannot move, or where I cannot feel, I will acknowledge that, then move on.

THURSDAY:  Today is the day of Jupiter, the day of lovers and descendants.  Today I will consider my heritage, without judgment, simply with grace.  I will consider the miracle that allowed me to be born, that if only one person had not met one other person, those whom I’ve never even known, those who lived decades, centuries ago, perhaps I would not be me.  I will honor those lovers, past and present, who played a part in my life, however briefly.  I will honor them for sharing a part of their lives with me.  Today I will ponder those who will follow me, my children, my grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and the multitudes of offspring I will never know.  Today I will marvel at the lives not yet conceived, and sit in wonder at who they might be.

FRIDAY:  Today is the day of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.  Today I will reflect on the ever-present love that surrounds me, that love from others, and that love that lives within me, permeates me, gives life its only true meaning.  I will ponder how love feels.  I will marvel at the different forms love takes.  I will consider the love I have for my friends, my family, my pets, the earth, and I will notice how distinctly each love marks itself.  I will reflect on pure love, which can only exist without condition, that it cannot be destroyed, it cannot be shackled with reason or degree, it cannot be cast aside by death, once born it lives for eternity. 

SATURDAY:  Today is the day of Saturn.  Jupiter, Saturn, and their moons have helped to preserve our earthly existence. These planets and their moons, have orbits and gravitational pulls that are perfectly tuned to shield the earth from onslaughts by asteroids and comets.  Saturn is one of our protectors, capturing and absorbing those asteroid titans that could, if not for Saturn and Jupiter, hurl themselves into Earth, some large enough to end all life as we know it.  Today I will reflect upon the Earth, and upon our many protectors.  I will take just a few moments tonight to gaze into the darkened sky, and I will marvel at the perfect orchestration, the brilliant choreography of the ever-so-subtly changing, planetary orbits.  I will give thanks to the earth for bearing me up, for giving me a sheltering place in this massive, wonderous place in space, and for her life-sustaining gifts.  For a few moments tonight, I will consider this solar system, this galaxy, this universe, and let myself feel awestruck by its inconceivable power.

© Janet Mitchell, May 2012.  All Rights Reserved.