It is my intention to show up whenever I have a chance. That begins at the start of the day when my feet hit the floor and I show up once again by moving out of the comfort zone of my bed. It is the pattern I have followed for a long time and it is the beginning of my showing up. The pattern is not just one of physical presence but it involves showing up with all the awareness I can muster.
I move from the bathroom to my stationary bike. I listen to a pre-programmed podcast then move to my bedroom. I follow the same pattern of lighting a candle and incense, doing the same mindful movements, then sitting to the sound of the bell. I show up in the same pattern every day.
The pattern unfolds further as I show up over my cereal bowl and feel the spoon in my hand and see the contents of the bowl rise to my mouth. I show up to the texture of the fruit, nuts and cereal against my tongue and teeth. My spoon rests beside the bowl again and again, a pattern I have learned to follow as I show up to my eating cereal.
My tea cup follows its own pattern, and I feel the shape of the cup against my lips. I show up to the hot tea, just as I have many mornings. The pattern unfolds.
There are many patterns that repeat daily. My attention is to the showing up that I can do without any planning ahead. I can be more aware of just what it is that I am doing because the patterns shape much of my day. I am able to show up much more frequently and consistently because I am guided by patterns.
I do not intend to move through my life in a mindless way. I intend to show up in whatever situation that presents itself. Much of that showing up is guided by learned patterns, for which I am grateful. Many patterns guide my steps, and I show up.