Sometimes when I am walking in the park, I find myself so bogged down with things I should have done before I went on the walk, or have to do when I get back, that I completely forget where I am, and hardly notice the surroundings I am passing.
A wise person once said to me that we should practise being 'where we are' more.
So I stop walking for a second. Breathe deeply, refocus my eyes and my head, and ... just ... BE.
Where I am. At this time. See the things around me, listen to the sounds, and feel the temperature or the wind on my skin. Touch a flower or a leaf, smell what there is to smell.
It's a good, kind thing to do for myself. The things back home can always wait.
Another wise man once said to me, the best thing about work is that it'll still be there, faithfully waiting for you when you get back. It ain't going nowhere!
ReplyDeleteSo, don't worry, get out there and smell :)
There's nothing like a good dose of being told that one's life is likely to draw to a premature close to make one realise how important the present is and that how much worrying about the future (or even worse, the past) detracts from the present and from life. I hope that you spend many happy times living in the now and enjoying every minute.
ReplyDeleteA wise reminder. Too often we are remembering or planning for the future, forgetting to truly live in the here and now which is where this moment is.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't know myself better then, looking at my last comment, I'd think that I took life far too seriously.
ReplyDeleteHow true that is! And so appropriate to my last post. Thank you, both for this, and for your kind words there.
ReplyDeleteThose flowers are so beautiful ... and those things at home can't be done while you're out anyway, can they? You might just as well stop and smell them.
Some flowers have no fragrance (orchids and tulips, for example) because all of their energy goes into looking beautiful and there is nothing left. Celebrities, take note!
ReplyDeleteThank you all, for your comments. It seems we all come to this realisation at some stage, although often from different places.
ReplyDeleteRWP - ironically these rhododendrons that were growing in Queens Park, Invercargill, had no scent. But I love the detailed freckles and unusual colour combinations!
And you're right: we do only have X amount of energy. Better to use it enjoying and looking after ourselves first!