As I toss my backpack down on a warm field of grass and rip open a bag of salted pretzels, I sit outside, looking around and searching for some type of inspiration.

At first glance, I see my reflection directly across from me.

I see two messy, poorly made braids and a borrowed sweatshirt.

I see a perfectly blue sky, free from a single cloud.

I look up for reassurance, wondering how honest my computer screen reflection truly is, as I quickly shut my eyes.

I can feel the warmth.

I can feel the winter grass.

It is a preview of spring,

A homage to winter,

And a feeling of fall.

I feel at home.

I look to my left and see a man attempting to tightrope.

Barefoot, he makes his way backward across the rope.

I watch as he tilts back and forth, searching for balance.

I look over and watch him for a while,

I can’t quite tell if we’re making eye contact

Or if he simply is focusing on the rope,

But it doesn’t matter to me.

I keep watching as he hops off and disappears beneath the tree trunk.

I wait as he jumps up for another attempt.

To my right, I can see three people laying down,

All with their legs crossed in the same direction and manor.

Maybe they’re blocking the sun?

Maybe it’s just a coincidence?

I keep watching.

One is reading,

One is sleeping,

And one talks on the phone.

Everyone is preoccupied.

Everyone is busy.

I wonder if they too are skipping class today?

If they too have become stuck in the daily routine of life

And lost inspiration.

Some weeks are better than others for me.

Some I thrive creatively,

Some I lack socially,

Or academically.

This week has been particularly busy,

Often, I tend to forget to stop.

I forget to watch

To admire what’s going on around me,

To sit and just

Be.

So today I write a reminder for myself,

For you, for me, for anyone

To go outside,

To take a break in your busy week,

In your stress,

and in your daily routine,

To just relax at least once each day.

No phone, no book, no distraction.

When the world feels like it just won’t slow down

And you might not keep up.

Sit and be.

Just be.