Constraint and patience and learning to wait

A cold wind blows here in the Northeast, causing the tree branches to sway under the midday sun. Watching them move back and forth in unison becomes a calming meditation until a bluebird appears on the windowsill rivaling the sky with its cerulean wings. What an unexpected delight!

I’ve grown fond of staring out the window. It’s something I do when I’m mulling over a decision or trying to clear my head of meaningless distractions. I follow the clouds and airplanes as they float across the sky, a...