I wrote a few months ago that I’d acquired a roommate after more than a dozen years of self imposed solitary living.  It’s both a joy and a yoga having someone around all the time.  It helps that he’s a best friend and adventure partner as well, and we share many of the same interests.  I have odd sleeping and eating patterns, so we often sleep at different times and rarely eat the same meal at the same time.  Except late night popcorn!  I am used to having giant spans of hours and days not having to speak to anyone, living in my silent world, tv usually muted but on since I use it as caller id.  I’ve noticed myself gravitating to more tv now, with the sound on, since there are a few shows we watch together.  That can quickly turn into sitting in front of the tv during times I formerly spent watering the plants, doing yoga in the garden, working on home or yard projects, going to the gym, sleeping, and having phone sessions all through the night.

I hesitate to go outside after dusk since I don’t care to spray myself against the misquitoes.  Sometimes I’ll opt for a long sleeved gauze shirt and long jeans to do some watering.  Once I’ve gotten myself outside, though, a whole new world opens up to me.  A world of nature sounds and scenes as the squirrels chase each other and the raccoons, the opposums and armadillos begin to make their way up and down the trails.  It’s easy to get mesmerized sitting outside, just watching Nature’s play at work.  To not project ahead with plans, nor to reach back into the past, with words being reserved solely for the Now moment.  I know my attention is fully in the Now when I get caught up in the antics of the birds at the garden bath and giggle out loud at their calling out to each other.  It’s not always easy learning to balance, but the work of doing it hones me and shows me who I am and who I can be. I figure two people who like each other will find their balance and a routine that works for both.