I have this neighbor who has become one of my closest friends. Years ago, we both decided we needed to walk more, so we carved out time...even with six kids between us, two IEPs, and busy work lives. Now we manage to get in 4–5 walks a week. It’s one of the best things I do for myself.

This morning I got to our meeting spot first. While waiting, I heard an odd sound and, being the bird nerd that I am, looked up. There was a pileated woodpecker hammering away. If you’ve never seen one, they’re rare to spot, huge, striking birds with a bright red plume. I stood there wishing for my phone to snap a photo…but then caught myself.

Why? Because it reminded me of all those concert videos people post. They pay hundreds for tickets, yet spend the whole night behind their screens instead of just enjoying the music. I almost did the same thing...for a free, fleeting, beautiful moment. So I took a breath, stayed still, and let myself just watch.

Later that day, I came home from basketball practice with B to find K’s room littered with shredded pages. My heart sank. Several vintage Sesame Street books, gone. But instead of reacting, I sat with him. And then I noticed: every scrap had the Count von Count on it. This wasn’t random destruction. It was intentional, tied to his deep interest.

https://birdmail.s3.amazonaws.com/images/1628/20250921065457thumbnail.jpg

Two very different moments in one day, but the same lesson: slow down and look closer. Not everything needs to be documented. Not every mess is just a mess. Sometimes what feels like an inconvenience or a loss is actually insight, or a gift, if we’re paying attention. Mindfulness doesn't always have to be scheduled, or a deliberate activity. (but if you need ideas, I got 'em)

Mindfulness isn’t about perfect calm. It’s about choosing presence over autopilot. Whether it’s a rare woodpecker or torn-up books, the reminder is the same: notice the details, and they’ll often tell you more than the noise ever will.

I wish you all the best of weeks....and I hope you are able to take a deep breath and notice what's around you.

LL

*Please note: the posts here that are in the "Sunday Night Emails" category are just that--previous emails sent out on a Sunday night. The dates/times/content may not match up with present day events because it was sent out a while ago.