Life can be so simple & so amazing. I started a new practice lately, I try to get to work at least 30 – 45 minutes early. Sometimes I slowly walk around the neighborhood; sometimes I sit & people watch outside; sometimes I have lunch nearby; sometimes I do absolutely nothing. It feels so good. I just use the 30 minutes as a bit of meditative time: time to get present — time to get real.
Not rushing, just enjoying the moment; the many moments that make up each day. In the past I would always be in a rush to get somewhere or do something. The present moment never seemed as good as the next. My whole day, everyday, was either about maximizing my time, or feeling guilty for not maximizing my time. And I have to honestly say, a lot of that was a waste of time & a waste of life. It truly did not make a difference in my level of happiness or satisfaction. Everything seemed difficult or challenging. Like I had to fight to accommodate things, or fight to make things happen. Not an all-out fight, just push myself a bit, struggle a little, & over-think a lot (a lot, a lot). A struggle to make things the way I wanted them to be, versus seeing how they are. Simply seeing the beauty in life without having to make it a story about me. The story of what I want (or what I think I need) & how everyone & everything fits into that story.
The value & satisfaction in enjoying the elements, the route, the people, the process of each day, as it is — is tremendous! Its worth is more than most can imagine. But just imagine missing it, not being present to any of it. Imagine living day-to-day without moments of beingness; without a moment to reflect; without a moment to take your time; without a moment to see the perfection & the beauty that is always there; without a moment to have some meaningless fun; without a moment to truly relax; without a moment to simply be yourself. This is the reality that many of us live, not just for a day, but for years, or for a lifetime. Life can be effortless & enjoyable with only a shift in perspective: seeing that outcome is not more remarkable than the process; seeing that the destination is not more gratifying than the journey; seeing that the future is not more important than this moment.
Below are a few videos that I found inspiring. I love how these men are taking the time to celebrate life. And notice that all it really takes is a man being simple: walking, biking, running — nothing out of the ordinary happening — just another day to do something ordinary that feels absolutely extraordinary. When one is present, there is an aliveness. This aliveness is what life is all about. This is the simplicity, the satisfaction, the happiness that is always at our fingertips. How ironic that there is nothing to do, nothing to rush to in order to receive it. It’s right here, right now. It’s hidden in plain sight. It’s right under our nose.
[Videos by Owen Fox, Tim VanOrden, & Dan McDonald.]
SUNDAY IS FOR LOVERS 
Namaste! What I started doing, kind of in relation to this post, is to drive slowly, with absolutely no rush. I don´t take the car out very often (well, my Mum´s), but when I do, I just respect every sign and speed limit (in the past I was not so polite, maybe). On one hand, it is very relaxing and fullflling to drive this way (pedestrians and bikes FIRST!!!)… and on the other hand, I make a lot of fun with other drivers that get really nervous and anxious behind me! It is a very good lesson, like saying “Hey You, why are you so speedy and stressed? Take it easy!!!”
Ah! Good one, Maite! :) I can totally picture you as I read your comment. :) Big hug for you!
great post!
I too suffered (and still do at times) from wanting to maximize my time. Rushing to this and that, scheduling every second of my life. It really works so much better for me to be present.
I hear ya. Yes it does. Life feels totally different and happens quite effortlessly when one is fully present. Let’s continue to be aware of that! I think that is what it takes. :) Consistent awareness.