I had my first-ever encounter with a hammock today. Indeed you read that right: I, Wiley Schmidt, spent about a half hour in a hammock this afternoon.
It reminded me a bit of my first few days blogging. I felt uneasy, unsteady and uncertain. This new place is uncomfortable, I thought to myself, and I don’t know what to make of it. Then, as the moments ticked on, I felt more at home as I got to know my surroundings. But the first step was believing I wouldn’t let myself fall. With that, the unfamiliar became familiar and doubt faded away.
I know these moments of self-awareness aren’t easy to come by. I know there is always something “better” for my mom to do with that time, like clean the bathrooms, empty the dishwasher, prepare dinner, start a load of laundry, etc. But I would argue that each of those tasks can seem less daunting after a few minutes to yourself to collect thoughts and be thankful for the little things in life.
“Perhaps now – of all times – when I am nearly bowed under physically, emotionally, and psychologically by the minutiae of the mundane, is the very moment I need the reverence of poets who bear witness to the sacredness of the ordinary,” writes Sarah Ban Breathnach in Simple Abundance.
It was peaceful there in the backyard. My mom and I sat in silence together for those precious thirty minutes being serenaded by the birds while soaking in the soothing rays of late afternoon sunshine. It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t expensive. Quite to the contrary, it was perhaps the most simple half hour we’ve spent together recently. And I loved every second of it.
“We are all given a choice each day,” Breathnach suggests. “We can react negatively to the demands made on us or we can choose to live abundantly, to transfer the negative to the meaningful. Attitude is all.”
As I saw my life flash before my eyes as I tried to catch my balance my first few seconds in the hammock, gratitude overwhelmed my little doggie heart. I realized I wouldn’t erase any moments of uncertainty from my life, as I know I have emerged a better dog from each and every one. And just as the unease and uncertainty in the hammock wore off in the comfort of home that is my mom’s arms, I am grateful for my loved ones in the blogosphere who I know would never let me fall.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Good for you Wiley – be brave and enjoy the good life in your hammock. BTW I am stealing your poetry quote for the old woman Slow who is moderating a poetry panel next week at the South Carolina Book Festival. I know, I know. It’s shameless, but I live on the edge!! 🙂
Indeed – this afternoon was a leap of faith (a lot like this blog!) But I must be doing something “write” if you’re sharing something I’ve shared! I’m honored that dear Slow would mention little ole me. Please thank her for me!
You have an awesome mom, Wiley! Woooowooooooo, Ku
I know it makes her day when I share messages like this with her, so thank you! 😉 Lots of love, Wiles.
How brave dear Wiley! I’m not at all sure of hammocks myself 😀
I wasn’t either, but now I can’t wait for more reflection time. I know my mom won’t drop me. 🙂
Aww. That’s very true about finding moments of peace to just be. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a hammock. But I find my peace laying on the beach or being in the water. Glad you got some quality time in.
Indeed – sometimes we need times to pull away from the world and reflect, even if only for a few minutes. 🙂
Brave critter♥
Awww!!! Thanks Leisa! 🙂
great post, wiley! thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks for reading! And following! Welcome! 🙂
You are such an awesome dog, Wiles and so is your mom.
You should know I share every comment with my mom and ones like this make her day. 😉
We’ve got your back, Wiley. Like you’ve got ours. I love the wise words, “Attitude is all.” The hammock reminds me of the baby swing – scary at first, but then you realize that your mom won’t let you fall, and your whole tentative attitude changes and the fun begins!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Awww! I didn’t think of that comparison to the baby swing! It’s true though, as I know I can trust my mom and I now look forward to my second chance at the hammock, silly as it may sound. Thanks for having my back, and you’re right! I’ve got yours! High paw, friend! Love, Wiles.
That was a very good comparison, Wiley… sometimes I feel unsure too, like in a swaying hammock.
Dear friend – don’t miss the second part of the story – us blogosphere pals have each other’s backs. I wouldn’t let you fall. 😉
that what friends are for, specially in blogville :o)
Very nice post Wiley – sounds like you had some nice quality time with your mom.
Wow! Welcome and hello my new friend! Come back and visit me again soon!
Adore this post, I think it’s exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been overwhelmed and bogged down by mundane routine and I feel a little re-energized reading your words. Also I am a little jealous of your hammock adventure, I need to go out and buy one stat.
Congratulations on conquering the hammock!
Love always,
Kiera
Kiera! I’m so glad to see you here! It means the world to me that my little words had a positive impact on your day – that is WHY I blog. Thank you for sharing, and for visiting. I hope to see a lot more of you!
That sounds divine, Wiley 🙂 We don’t have a hammock on our deck, but we do have a three-person swing seat. It’s canopy and beautifully padded seat and back make an excellent place to have an afternoon siesta. I usually end up with Cally curled up behind my knees, and Monsieur Napoleon Le Chat perched on my hip. Sheer bliss!
Dear Lyn – I’m so happy you have a special place for an afternoon siesta with Cally and Monsiuer. I learned yesterday how lovely it is to have cuddle buddies in those moments. She called me her little cuddle bug. Lots of love to you!
[…] Another Day in Paradise | Wiley’s Wisdom […]
Thanks for the pingback!
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
You and me in paradise.
Not only are you cute, Wiley, but you’re very brave and you have an awesome Mom, too!
Wow – such kind words! Thank you so much! So nice to see you, too! Take care,
Wiles