Time To Be

I have noticed something in life that has proven itself true, time and time again. It relates to my “To Do” list. I use the term loosely, as I extend this “list” to include more than just a simple inventory of today’s chores, errands, or projects. For me, it extends to include whatever seems to be the most pressing need at any given moment. So here is what I witness… No matter what I am doing, today’s most important task, once completed, seems to be diminished, even forgotten, in the moment when something new and of course, very important comes to light. I fly off in a new direction and the cycle begins again. There is never a time when the to do list is done. I am sometimes lost in this perpetual race to finish something, only to find that there is something else that has flooded in to replace it, once I am done. It can feel like I a hamster on a wheel. Always going, always working, accomplishing great and wonderful things, but never at rest. All work and no play, as they say, makes life a dull and monotonous act. I am looking for more. I have been here before, and it is as simple as calling attention to the reality, of witnessing and accepting it, which leads me out of the dark.

There is an art to slowing down to appreciate all things. It takes a conscious effort for me to slow down and just be. This morning, brought our first snowfall. As I sit here writing in the early morning, I have watched the sunrise over the river valley. A stunning scene of winter’s unfolding. I am reminded. It has been a long time since I have sat down to write for this blog. I love to write, and yet, I have left my love for another. What have I been doing? It seems life’s To Do list has been holding me hostage. It is not just this old house. It has been all that life demands. I could make a list of what I have been doing, to quantify my work and worth, but why? It would be much like every other person’s list of things that keep us busy, occupied, and unconscious. My intention this morning is to break the cycle. I wish to make more time to simply be.

How will I accomplish this? Here are some of the tried and true practices that work for me. Waking early. Spiritual connection. Time outdoors. Meditation. Exercise (I love to swim). Mindfulness. Living in the moment. Eating well. Moderation in all things. Sleeping at least eight hours a night. Fellowship with friends and loved ones. Slowing down enough to notice the beauty all around me. I know there is more, but for now, this is enough. A start. The essence of what I need. To remember that at any given moment I have enough, I am enough, I have done enough, there is enough. Enough. Always enough. Everywhere. I can be at peace if I connect to myself and remember.