You have always known how to live; always known that Life comes to you without hesitation and without reservation. It offers itself to you unconditionally. You choose to be open or closed. You can accept the invitation or let it pass. How do you reply to life's invitation?

A horse and rider is a useful metaphor for the relationship between the unconscious and conscious. An undisciplined and unruly horse can be problematic, leading you wherever it pleases, and even dangerous. But a disciplined horse gives you the power to move in your life, especially when the discipline comes from mutual respect and care.

I start most days, after my morning routine of stretching and sometimes a walk, with a writing session to "set my intent." This means that I write something about how I might like to experience the day or what I might be like at the end of the day, creating a life worthy to feast on memory and made-up moments. How do you start your day? How do you craft your days with intention?

It is so easy for us to habituate to our world, to stop noticing the intimacy of life and things and even activity around us. This excerpt from my Daily Intent writing session reminds me to widen my gaze and reacquaint myself with my world. I am always surprised at the richness and fullness of my life when I take the time to notice. What beauty, what gift, do you miss in the world around you as you narrow your gaze to an activity or destination?