This morning I went outside and sat on the warm stoop for my nature meditation. I immediately observed that the birch tree on the south of the grove had larger leaves. My mind took note and began to ruminate over this “fact,” branching out into related ideas.

Then I remembered: I am meditating, I am here to wake up. I am not here to submerge myself in the machinations of the mind. With some effort, I guided my inner awareness back toward itself, as I strove to maintain continuous unbroken awareness.

Even though I have been doing this practice for years, I still have to make an effort to wake up.