Singer and record producer Johnny Nash wrote the words to this song called "I Can See Clearly Now," also the name of the album he released, in the early 70s. The best-seller helped bring Reggae music to mainstream America. The words are still relevant today, especially today here in Phoenix, where it rained last night. The clouds literally pushed pollution out of the way and made the skyline visible again. Everything looks so clear. And from where I'm sitting, it is bright outside.
As I drove to a meeting this morning, I was overcome with this feeling of clarity. I sense it most when I'm in my car. No worries. No stress. Just a feeling of satisfaction. And I felt that this morning. It seems I do often when I'm heading east on Lincoln Drive. And that's where I happened to be this morning.
There's no reason for the euphoria that follows. I just know when it arrives, and I like to sit with it for a while. I'll say a prayer of thanks and pay closer attention to the landscape ahead of me. On days like these, when I'm stopped at an intersection, I'll observe how far I can see off into the distance. I look at the mountains ahead, hoping I catch a quick glimpse of the Praying Monk rock formation in Paradise Valley. I'll look at the colors in the sky. I'll see if there are any plants blooming and which ones. I'll focus on the yellows of the lantana or the pink leaves on the bougainvillea, and I'll notice the red shoots darting out of the red yucca plants. Everything comes alive when I'm willing to pay attention, to notice the simple beauty that surrounds me.
I feel like I'm opening myself up to appreciating the inner depths of my Best self, the part of me that is grateful, compassionate and self-nurturing.
What does it take for you to develop that inner clarity?
The artist Paul Gauguin tells us his secret with this quote: "I shut my eyes in order to see."
What do you think he means?
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2 comments:
Jackie,
Great thoughts here in your experience driving to your meeting. I think Julia Cameron has the answer to "how we see" with our eyes closed, by learning to recognize that inner sight. She has a chapter in her book "The Artist's Way, in which she talks about "raising your consciousness"....to me that means having an inner sight of where we are now and what is in our environment that makes us more aware.
I appreciate your perspective!
Bonnie
www.YourBusinessDetective.com
"I can see clearly now" is one of my favorite inspirational songs, and I thought I was the only one, so it was great to read your blog.
When I'm blue, I can start by singing sad songs, and wind up happy -- it's a blessing. I know what you mean about the difference in seeing and Seeing.
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