The cellphone camera is busy during this spectacular, almost orgasmic New England autumn. It can’t begin to do it justice by capturing the absolutely stunning radiance that surrounds me.  With the foliage now at peak, beginning to gently rain to the ground, the earthy fragrance is both musky and sweet. The creatures know what’s coming. Their senses heightened as they fortify their stores. They are in perpetual mindfulness, on Nature’s wave.   As leafs leaves the branch later to return anew, so do we. Being a species of the mind we often forget our innate abilities. Our foliage just as beautiful, we have the choice of returning better than ever before.  Meditation enables us to tap into the mindfulness that offers this elegant and graceful process.  Leaving leafs leaves enchantment and sustainability.  Meditation does too. It’s only natural.

Since changing theClosetAcademic facebook page from ‘writer’ to ‘public figure’ and putting myself out there I have felt a distinct shift. What exactly am I portraying within the world of social media? It took thought attempting to update my linkedin profile a couple years ago. I asked myself some questions. ‘Okay self, so, what do I do for work?’ The rote answer ‘I work with Melaleuca, the Wellness Company.’ ‘Self? What do I really do?’ ‘Hmmm’ I thought. ‘I find myself writing and trekking and running in the woods, oh, and taking pictures of the beauty that is all around me. Ya, that’s what I do. I’m a freelancer! Yes, that’s it – I’m a writer/photog!’ Now, the big question. ‘What type of camera do I use?’ That’s a tough one. Years ago I started out with a Pentax. Then, life took over and, like can happen with meditation, I fell out of the practice. Then I crashed – or was crashed – it depends on your perspective. There are no accidents. During the rebuild, I was gifted a little powershot type device that zoomed X13. I made a few dollars with it writing articles for the local paper, covering stories like wine tasting and parades and soapbox races. Using that little camera reignited a love I had forgotten about. And then I drowned it. With coffee in hand seating oneself in a low riding high performance vehicle is one thing. I had the process down to an art. No longer having that beautiful car in my repertoire I was now driving a big, heavy and high, secure feeling pick-up truck. The beverage holders are the perfect size to hold a camera, cellphone and an iced coffee. The difference here is the drinks go in before the keister goes in. All was well until I reached for the drink and the cup collapsed with the cover popping off and filling the cup holders. Saving the flip-phone first, that was the end of that camera. I replaced it with another little cheapo that got used up so well that the battery would heat up in my hand. Now, I use my 21st century cellphone camera. I’m grateful to have it but really, I am essentially cameraless. It’s tough to beat the colors and beauty of this glorious New England autumn. I am mindful that I have become acutely aware of my cameralessness. This tells me that I’m on the cusp of another significant shift. Mindfulness keeps me from dwelling on the feeling of lessness and helps me to focus on what’s in front of me right now. Meditation man… it’s all here for the plucking. It’s only natural.

In keeping with the promise of putting myself out there I am offering a basic meditation class. Below is a quick overview. It is quite the journey for me having the rubber meet the road like this. In asking ‘how may I serve’ I find the answers to be Inspiring. May the fine tuning of this work be of benefit to all who seek it and align with it.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Meditating ‘out there’. It’s only natural.

Objective: To offer simple and practical methods in developing and practicing the arts of Meditation and Mindfulness.

What is Meditation? 

In my view, Meditation is not so much a ‘what’ but more so a ‘why’. Meditation can be defined in many terms – ancient, futuristic, mystical, religious, practical, or as I like to teach it, common-sensical. Meditation is as essential to a healthy life as eating, sleeping, and most importantly, Breathing. I teach the simplicity of focusing on the Breath. When we do so, we allow for not only the nutritive effects of oxygen to take hold of the cells of our bodies, we also cultivate a personal channel of Positive Energy, the effects of which are limitless. Meditation reduces stress and lowers blood pressure, enhances brain cognition, improves emotional health, relieves and helps to prevent a plethora of modern day maladies and concerns. No longer a ‘whoo whoo’ idea, modern science is proving the actual brain changes (neuroplasticity) that occur in people who meditate. It’s all good.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is becoming a new buzzword in our Americanized culture. In my experience, Mindfulness is a byproduct of Meditation. Mindfulness manifests in subtle ways and can be tough to describe but you know it when you feel it. You can’t fake Mindfulness and you cannot affirm it, command or teach it. You can only allow it, experience it and Be it. Mindfulness provides greater clarity. As mindfulness shows up, we begin to notice more, perhaps enhanced colors of nature, the pureness of the water in your glass, what might seem like out of the blue appreciation for a loved one or the catching yourself in an automatic verbal response. One who suffers from PTSD and lashes out unexpectedly, for instance, may find relief in developing Mindfulness. It can provide a type of coping mechanism, a pause or pattern-interrupt between the action/reaction of the moment. Mindfulness is often referred to as present moment awareness or being in the now. Mindfulness helps people get a handle on life in positive, healthy and loving ways. It’s only natural.

Brief Bio: At the age of 40, Patricia Lentz earned a Bachelor of Science with Emmanuel College in Boston, graduating with a GPA .01 less of Summa Cum Laude. She graduated from Pelham (NH) High School in December 1974 and was a member of the National Honor Society. She consciously chose her vocation of a stay-at-home mom while studying world religions and metaphysics. She has resided in and experienced several American cultural settings including Oklahoma City. A meditator most all of her life she realized a formal meditation practice in working with Dr. Wayne Dyer (RIP 8/30/15) in the 1980s & 90s, and more recently with Davidji (former Chopra Center COO, Lead Educator and first Dean of Chopra Center University – Davidji.com) and Stil Studio (Dedham, MA) and meditation teacher Andrew Kelly (Chopra Center Certified, theBostonBuddha.com). A fan of HayHouseRadio.com, Ms Lentz has connected first hand with several of its self-help and new-thought authors, teachers and coaches. In social media, Ms Lentz describes herself this way “a tree hugger and fringe dweller, a trail trekker and yogini, a meditator and closet academic - I am a teacher/student of Wellness."

I love the word coincidence. Whenever I hear it I know there is no such thing. My mind automatically substitutes the word co-incide for coincidence. That’s always how it goes, isn’t it? This week I had decided to explore some more local trails. I chose the Madame Sherri Forest.

When I go out for a trek I’m usually by myself in the wilderness, void of other human activity. Today, the forest seemed crowded. First I heard dog tags jingling behind me and saw a little dog that looked like a fawn. I know the owner was not far. After parting from the trail to explore a tranquil pond the couple caught up and broke the peace. I waited until they left and then heard more trail blazing toward the west. I was pretty sure it was human but decided to move on. On the way back I met a trail runner headed up the path going full bore. This was way too much traffic for me. Before leaving I decided to stop at the castle  to see what started all the fuss in the first place. It is quite magical. Though, when I planted myself for a quick meditative connection I could hear more humans off in the distance via an unmarked trail. Unbeknownst to me, a local rag that is tossed at the end of my driveway each week carried an article on that very forest. That must be why the woods seemed crowded today. What a coincidence! It’s only natural.

Cleaning my yoga mat this morning before I begin my practice I notice the girls wanting to free themselves and escape through the top of my garment. Interesting, is this what is meant by the old term ‘women’s lib’? I was listening to George Carlin on YouTube this morning. He was one of my favorites. A guy who really told it like it is and made people squirm in the process. I recently learned that some of his ashes are in the lake that is just a stone’s throw from my house. —With the girls unraveling I’m beginning to realize that there is wisdom behind them. What do I want younger women to know? Understand your tremendous Power! I’m just starting to grasp my own ability to Influence. I had once wrapped those girls tight at a time when they stood on their own. Bound into social submission, I was terrified to shine. Women who think with their heart are incredibly smart. That fourth Chakra center is opening with the girls unraveling. Our world is destined for Greatness. Meditate and let it in. It’s only natural.

I recently watched most of a political presidential debate. Why do I do that to myself? Try as I might to stay out of the swirl of the mindless ugly the collective weight can feel overpowering if I stay there too long. I find myself in jest, almost enjoying poking at the hive mind. What really gives me pause is the sheer mass of narrow and often bogus programming that pummels our culture today. I’ve always been aware that energy flows where attention goes. Maybe that’s why I rarely watch TV or listen to commercials. It can be quite unsettling observing a variety of manipulative strategies of being sold and marketed to. Maybe people feel they would be irresponsible if they didn’t saturate themselves with the negative news that breeds dis-ease and dis-comfort all day, every day. The constant bombardment of common media can be crushing and disturbingly influential. It seems most people conform and take for granted believing without question that that’s how life must be. We all live our own truth. I like choosing for myself. Meditation allows me to do so. It’s only natural.

It was the Perfect Exit

…that Scurvy Elephant

How Sweet the Bliss must be

He told us the story of Peace and Glory

Forever we all must Be

Oh Wayne, Dear Wayne, your physical-ness missed

Bring comfort to your loved ones

The millions touched by your pure Light

Reminding us – We Are One

Thank you, Wayne – more influential now

More than was a man

It is Great Fun

What you have done

Thanks for showing us

We Can

Thanks for showing us WE CAN!

It has been less than an hour that I have learned of the passing of my teacher and mentor Dr. Wayne Dyer. To all who love him, his family and the HayHouse community, I share your sadness at this time. I am ever grateful to have had him in this current earthly life. Thank you, Wayne. I know you are not far. I will indeed ‘write it’.

Below are (unedited) words that filtered through my fingers this morning, before I knew of his transitioning just hours before.

Hello my friend(s)

I’m writing to you today to let you know how much I love and appreciate you.

I am awestruck at how precise and pristine life can be living within this physical body.

You spoke to me while it was young. You spoke the Universal language through this instrument. You instilled a strong remembering so as this body grew and matured I would remember who I Am. As I write I am understanding that not only is this a body physical, it houses an earthly translator box called the ego. The ego is indeed part of its physiology. We humans can misinterpret so many words, the word ego being one of them. I choose to think of my ego as the part of me that received all the well-meaning earthly programming. The programming is a static electrical input derived from all egos existing. It is such a relief to know how fickle the ego can be. In remembering who I Am I can soothe my ego and allow Grace to permeate the program.

How wonderful life is with this knowledge. How wonderful it is to feel that Grace with each and every deliberate In and Out Breath. Breathing In and Breathing Out, Breathing In and Breathing Out. The ego is very accommodating to our programming. Be gentle with your mind. Be gentle with your heart. All else is taken care of. Allowing ease enables our bodies to thrive in health. Program the ego with Light. Let yourself feel and cultivate a perspective of everything going well, and right and perfectly. The ego may have you believe otherwise. Feel your truth. Feel your worthiness. Feel the relief. Every discomfort of the past is gone. It has dissipated like a fading sound wave. You may choose a lesson. Make it a good-feeling one. In this earthly world any dis-comfort that disrupts your flow can quickly become dis-ease. Be good and kind to yourself at all times. Allow into your energy space only that which nourishes. We have experienced and heard enough ill-intention to know where the flipside or bounce or lesson will go. And, it really is All Good. Meditate and take control. The children are eager learners. The younger they are the lesser the ego programming they have endured. Learn from them.

Thank you, Wayne.
I love you!

My new digs enthrall me. Its nourishing Energy is unmistakable. I am immersed in breathtaking bucolic life. Allowing myself to feel the luxury of its essence I deeply appreciate those who work in the dirt and assist in keeping our beautiful Mother Nature happy. Growing up in a tiny rural farming neighborhood I would often hear the term ‘it’s time to mow the back 40 (acres)’ in reference to haying a field. My first trek down the lane after taking up residence here I find myself in the middle of the back 400! This is the real deal out here. I am in total awe of those farmers who still lovingly keep the livestock and caretake the land. So beautiful and fragrant (most of the time) it is beyond words to describe. The farmers’ sacrifice is to the benefit of us all who live on our Planet today. I dare say they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. These are the guys that can put down the GMOnsantos of the world. They live to serve, not to impress. It is up to us to support the farm in any way we can. In meditating we are enabled to offer a type of covert recognition and gratitude that uplifts and values the tenders of the back 400, and the world. We really are magnets and draw to us what we vibrate out. Meditation is the ultimate sustenance. So remember to RPM baby – rise, pee and 5 minutes of silent MEDITATION at the start of each new day changes everything. It’s only natural.

glimpse of Mitchell’s farm

‘She’s baaack!’ Not sure where I first heard that expression. Possibly from early SNL or a wide grinned Jack Nicholson. The vision of my brother saying it comes to mind, along with him making a clawing motion with his hand pointing in my direction and calling it an ugly finder that is working. TCA is definitely not in Kansas anymore. We are living in the country now. Day one included a chameleon type toad sitting next to me on the deck. First thing in the morning on day two an adult turkey and her four chicks were feeding in the backyard. Day three, the turkeys were back in force with at least five adults and more than fifteen chicks. Turkeys are funny. They are so big yet they can fly and perch in the trees. Listening to their language reminds me of an old lady babysitter I had as a child. They chant ‘squawk quack squeak’ in direction to the tastiest morsels in the tall grass.

turkeys in the vortex

It is magical here. I can feel the difference that meditation provides in clearing the path and allowing for smooth transitions. No longer a country girl living in the city, I am home, in the country. It’s only natural.