Tuning In

First, I direct my attention within,
to my own being. 

Like a sailor scanning the horizon
for anything worth noting,
I turn my gaze inward
and look around
for any feeling or sensation
that might be seeking my attention.

I am not on a mission to find anything. 
I’m just looking. 
If nothing comes to awareness right away,
I just take a breath. 

But it rarely takes long
before something draws my attention:
a feeling of fullness in the belly,
general tiredness,
the steady beat of my heart,
the tidal rhythm of my breath,
a sense of tightness
or spaciousness
in the chest.  

Tuning in is the most important thing. 
Once I do, I am off
and sailing.