Spring into Summer
Spring into Summer!
It has often be said - perhaps by me, that change is a process. It takes 7 days to form a habit but 30 days to make a change. For many people that simply isn't fast enough. In today's society we often feel the need to move quickly - get it over with, if you will. We are now living in what some may call a 'fast-forward' society. The quality of our lives, are perhaps, directly influenced by how we choose to perceive and use the time we have to accomplish what is important to us.
But how can we fully enjoy all that life has to offer if we are constantly multitasking and living in a fast-forward society? I invite you to think about areas in your life that are best enjoyed with out employing this idea of fast-forwarding. Here are a few to get you started: holding a newborn baby; enjoying time with your family and friends; sharing a good meal; dancing to a ballad with someone special; lying on your back on the grass and watching the clouds move by; meditating and praying; spending time with your kids and listening to them talk about their day. What else can you add to this list? If we are to cram our lives so full with events, how will we ever find meaning in all the wonderful experiences we have?
In order to enjoy life more fully, I believe we need to simplify our lives. But how? The first thing that we need to do is to focus and devote our attention and energies to one thing at a time. "Be were you are" is the key to bringing your mind and body into the present moment. Really try to focus on not allowing your thoughts to wander off to the past or be in the future - really be were you are now. Take your foot off the accelerator of this fast forward life and try to savor the activities you have chosen to do. By savoring I mean really try to enjoy what ever it is you choose to do and not rush the experience. Be aware of all of our electronic communication devises that we all feel we can't live with out. Be selective in the ones you use and allow yourself to be fully present to those. Decide where you are going to invest your energy and for how long each day. Finally, allow experiences to reveal themselves to you with out imposing your needs and expectations on them first.
King Solomon, one of the wisest men said 'there is a time to be born and a time to die'. However there is also an 'in-between' time. I'm hopeful that through better understanding of this fast-forward society, you will recognize that you have choices on how to live in the interval called life.
Have a magnificent Spring.