Ripples of time as a duck swims across the pond in early November light
Recently I heard an advertisement on public television that suggested that time is the one thing in life that there is not enough of. Then the ad goes on to suggest that one of the best ways to spend one’s precious time is by traveling the world and learning about other cultures.
I have no problem with the idea of world travel or about learning about other cultures. If I could I would travel and explore much more than I have. But I would argue that focusing on activities as a way to deal with the limits of time is a mistake.
A Question of Time
It is true that our time here on earth is limited. And none of us know for sure how much time we have left. It could be minutes, days, months, years, or decades. But I believe that one of the most important things I can do to make the most of my limited time here on earth is to try to be fully present for each moment and to minimize regrets. I try to spend my time letting those I love know of my love for them.
One day spent with someone you love can change everything.
― For One More Day
And I try to be kind to those I meet during the day, thanking the store clerk for her help, thanking the guys who came to install our carpet in the basement in their language (Spanish), smiling at the staff I meet in stores and offices. Each day I look for something beautiful and I allow myself to filled with wonder and appreciation for life. I like finding moments of beauty in the slant of light on the pond, clouds scudding across the sky, or a solitary leaf clinging to a branch.
Last night after the new carpet was installed in our basement, I wiggled my bare toes in the soft carpet and danced around the empty space, thankful for the soft beautiful floor beneath my feet.
Time Enough
The wisdom voice says:
“Be still. Take time for
what is truly important.”I imagine myself diving,
leaving behind an untidy
trail of what’s not needed.I cast aside worry,
which has never brought me
anything even remotely useful.I let go of doubt, and all the
countless ways I tie myself
in knots.Scattered behind me like
discarded clothes are
old beliefs, selfish agendas,
my fixed and false identities,
attachment to particular results.Weightless, and miraculously
free, my eyes shine
with wonder and enthusiasm.The wisdom voice says:
“There is always time enough
for joy.”— Danna Faulds
One can experience eternity in a moment of bliss.
I’m not able to stay in the present moment and see beauty all the time. Like everyone I experience stressful times, worry, pain, and anxiety. But when I am having difficulty, if I seek out just a moment of awareness, I can often let go of some of the stress, worry, pain, and anxiety. Or I can choose to work with it. When I dig deep into uncomfortable emotions I often find fear or regret underneath the louder messier emotions. And I often find unspoken “shoulds” underneath body pain.
What is your experience with time? Do you bask in each moment or constantly worry that there is not enough of it? Is it your experience that time is the one thing in life that there is not enough of?
May you walk in beauty.
Note: It was cloudy most of the day today but I still found beauty watching a solitary duck swim in the pond.
Downstairs carpet, an invitation to do a barefoot dance of joy
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