It’s a very laid back day today. After a whole hectic work week, I have been enjoying every tiny thing since morning. I feel like living each moment rejuvenates me for another day.
I am relating to this moment with low energy. Work has left me spent today after closing a very complicated, but overall, rewarding transactional experience yesterday. — a 6 month journey. I am telling myself in this moment that it is “OK” and completely understandable to not be engaged on all cylinders.
As a recent retiree, I feel happy and grateful for the open time. However, I am wondering if I am “doing enough” with my newly freed up time. I do worry about the moments that I have let pass by and how to rearrange my life and time to be more productive, i.e., in service to others. My whole life and career was devoted to helping others–shouldn’t I be doing more? And how to keep a balance in my life?
I would appreciate anyone’s thoughts on how they handle this.
I find balance when I…
Work some,
play some,
connect some,
& relax some.
But as far as “doing enough,” it is more a state of mind than it is an amount of time or goals met. For me, as an artist and farmer and homemaker, I can always find more that >should< be done, never get a day off, and if I let myself, I can feel quite badly about what I didn't do that I think needs doing. To get around this I am trying to define "enough" in some way. How much, or how I define it, doesn't really matter. The point is, you will never enjoy "time off" if you can't define and restrict "time on." When I was especially busy with work, college, and three kids, my definition was, "It's 8 p.m., I'm off-duty!" Unless someone was bleeding or the house was on fire (so to speak), it could wait. I didn't have much time for myself then and it was challenging. Today I have more time. 3 hours at the farm daily and 3 hours renovation at home, and some time at cooking and housework at the moment is "enough." When I feel well, I make sure I visit or reach out to a friend every day and that I have at least one good conversation with my husband each day, that is not about the house reno or what's for dinner, lol. I'm still trying to find my balance and flow, but I could really relate to what you are feeling, Linda. Please consider, for YOU, what will be your "enough" where you can be happy both giving to others, and giving yourself the gift of balance, enjoyment of life, and self love.
Please let me know what you discover… I could use tips, too! 🙂
Moments and hours, days, weeks and more of doing nothing in particular can rejuvenate you for doing something you really care about at some time. That’s my opinion – give yourself a break, Linda!
It makes me pay attention. My cat is meowing…he wants me to go back inside. Birds are chirping. Two flies hovering on the porch. Perfect blue sky and the quiet hum of the morning. Keenly aware….nicely put in one of the below responses..
Carpe diem. Right now, I am appreciating spending time with my 2 good friends in New Hampshire. Exploring, swimming, eating meals together. Learning from their kindness and warmth.
And taking steps to create a life I want, with friends and family and who are important and dear to me.
Things can change in a moment. To stay in the moment I am in and to focus on just that helps me in alot of ways, but mainly my meditation practice, which I am horrible at right now, and to cherish what is happening just now…..
This week we left the house early, and went to Lily Lake, which is about 1 1/2 from us. When we got there, we settled in, sat at a picnic table, and took in the scenery. Mt. Meeker and Longs Peak on our left. The Continental Divide in front of us, at a distance. The Lake within feet of us…and at the time I realized this was a time to take in the moments on this day….I did. It made a difference. I felt the beauty-not just saw it.
It was a reminder to focus on the moment I was in…..I will try to find time soon to post pictures somewhere to share. But today is another adventure to an area where the eagles nest. Will take photos there as well and share another time….and will practice on focusing in the moment.
And another thing I noticed was when I focus, the moments tend to slow down for me…..I suspect it is because I am “in” them, and not distracted by other things, like thoughts….
As in this moment I am with people, I often begin this moment with a silent intention: Listen carefully. More thoughtful before I speak. Kinder and more loving.
In the moments I am in the garden, I am often wordless, just absorbing the sensations of soil: the look, feel and smell of it… or observing each weed, insect, seedling. My beans are coming up elbow first. I just absorb the moment. Sometimes I do drift and think but it is useful time to think on many things practical and philosophical while my hands and body are in the rhythm of the work.
When I work at home (like this week I am painting the kitchen still) I am also often absorbed in it just trying to do a good job, and I take little breaks to watch Mr. Hopeful or drink a glass of water. i might look at my hands with paint all over them.
I don’t think I am consciously aware that the moment matters or “reflecting on this impact how I relate to this moment,” for if I did, the moment would be gone and I would not be here experiencing it but would be watching me here (if that makes any sense). But in reflecting on this experience, I would say I am much more often present in the moment than I used to be. Time rarely “flies.” Why?
I think it is just practice. Practice in observing. Practicing listening. Practice in gratitude.
I personally do not experience heady spiritualism in this. Rather it is much more like Shunryu Suzuki says in Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind…”Just sit.” That will be stuck in my head forever, lol, or to paraphrase, “keep it simple.”
“… “reflecting on this impact how I relate to this moment,” for if I did, the moment would be gone and I would not be here experiencing it but would be watching me here…” – right on, Holly in Ohio 🤗😊
As Brother David says in every moment we have the opportunity to hope and to trust in God. So, every moment is an opportunity to give thanks for life and the opportunity to share God’s love.
At this very moment I am letting go with gratitude. We can never pin down this very moment before it moves on and into the past. It may seem obvious however grasping to keep things from changing keeps us agitated or one of many other not so pleasant emotions.
So at this very moment I’m letting go of the huge list of things I want done and becoming grateful for what I have accomplished today. I’m content with the now.
I found this quote very helpful today and it definitely is a reminder for me that how I relate to every moment matters. “Gratitude…goes beyond the “mine” and “thine” and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.
Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice. I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are still steeped in hurt and resentment. It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of a complaint. . . . The choice for gratitude rarely comes without some real effort. But each time I make it, the next choice is a little easier, a little freer, a little less self-conscious. . . . There is an Estonian proverb that says: “Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.” Acts of gratitude make one grateful because, step by step, they reveal that all is grace.” – Henri Nouwen
Carol, thank you for your reflection. It brought to mind a chorus in a song/hymn by Gary Ault:
All that we have and all that we offer
Comes from a heart both frightened and free.
Take what we bring now and give what we need.
All done in God’s name.
Thank you, Carol. I relaxed while reading your reflection. When I started participating on this website, I also started viewing gratefulness as a spiritual discipline, the only one I have managed to (more or less) stick to. Blessings to you
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It’s a very laid back day today. After a whole hectic work week, I have been enjoying every tiny thing since morning. I feel like living each moment rejuvenates me for another day.
I seek to maximize my awareness.
It sounds like ‘multi-tasking,’ which is bad for our memories
I am relating to this moment with low energy. Work has left me spent today after closing a very complicated, but overall, rewarding transactional experience yesterday. — a 6 month journey. I am telling myself in this moment that it is “OK” and completely understandable to not be engaged on all cylinders.
Regeneration is a special time too.
For sure, Debra! 🙃😜
Maybe that time is different from what i thought it was.
As a recent retiree, I feel happy and grateful for the open time. However, I am wondering if I am “doing enough” with my newly freed up time. I do worry about the moments that I have let pass by and how to rearrange my life and time to be more productive, i.e., in service to others. My whole life and career was devoted to helping others–shouldn’t I be doing more? And how to keep a balance in my life?
I would appreciate anyone’s thoughts on how they handle this.
I find balance when I…
Work some,
play some,
connect some,
& relax some.
But as far as “doing enough,” it is more a state of mind than it is an amount of time or goals met. For me, as an artist and farmer and homemaker, I can always find more that >should< be done, never get a day off, and if I let myself, I can feel quite badly about what I didn't do that I think needs doing. To get around this I am trying to define "enough" in some way. How much, or how I define it, doesn't really matter. The point is, you will never enjoy "time off" if you can't define and restrict "time on." When I was especially busy with work, college, and three kids, my definition was, "It's 8 p.m., I'm off-duty!" Unless someone was bleeding or the house was on fire (so to speak), it could wait. I didn't have much time for myself then and it was challenging. Today I have more time. 3 hours at the farm daily and 3 hours renovation at home, and some time at cooking and housework at the moment is "enough." When I feel well, I make sure I visit or reach out to a friend every day and that I have at least one good conversation with my husband each day, that is not about the house reno or what's for dinner, lol. I'm still trying to find my balance and flow, but I could really relate to what you are feeling, Linda. Please consider, for YOU, what will be your "enough" where you can be happy both giving to others, and giving yourself the gift of balance, enjoyment of life, and self love.
Please let me know what you discover… I could use tips, too! 🙂
Thank you Holly. This was helpful. 🙂
Moments and hours, days, weeks and more of doing nothing in particular can rejuvenate you for doing something you really care about at some time. That’s my opinion – give yourself a break, Linda!
Thank you, Mica. That is good advice.
It makes me pay attention. My cat is meowing…he wants me to go back inside. Birds are chirping. Two flies hovering on the porch. Perfect blue sky and the quiet hum of the morning. Keenly aware….nicely put in one of the below responses..
Carpe diem. Right now, I am appreciating spending time with my 2 good friends in New Hampshire. Exploring, swimming, eating meals together. Learning from their kindness and warmth.
And taking steps to create a life I want, with friends and family and who are important and dear to me.
It makes me grateful for every moment
Today I am keenly aware of how I see the world as my adversary. I want to view it through the eyes of compassion and assume love.
Things can change in a moment. To stay in the moment I am in and to focus on just that helps me in alot of ways, but mainly my meditation practice, which I am horrible at right now, and to cherish what is happening just now…..
This week we left the house early, and went to Lily Lake, which is about 1 1/2 from us. When we got there, we settled in, sat at a picnic table, and took in the scenery. Mt. Meeker and Longs Peak on our left. The Continental Divide in front of us, at a distance. The Lake within feet of us…and at the time I realized this was a time to take in the moments on this day….I did. It made a difference. I felt the beauty-not just saw it.
It was a reminder to focus on the moment I was in…..I will try to find time soon to post pictures somewhere to share. But today is another adventure to an area where the eagles nest. Will take photos there as well and share another time….and will practice on focusing in the moment.
And another thing I noticed was when I focus, the moments tend to slow down for me…..I suspect it is because I am “in” them, and not distracted by other things, like thoughts….
Such a gift, Mary Pat, to live near these beautiful, natural places!
As in this moment I am with people, I often begin this moment with a silent intention: Listen carefully. More thoughtful before I speak. Kinder and more loving.
In the moments I am in the garden, I am often wordless, just absorbing the sensations of soil: the look, feel and smell of it… or observing each weed, insect, seedling. My beans are coming up elbow first. I just absorb the moment. Sometimes I do drift and think but it is useful time to think on many things practical and philosophical while my hands and body are in the rhythm of the work.
When I work at home (like this week I am painting the kitchen still) I am also often absorbed in it just trying to do a good job, and I take little breaks to watch Mr. Hopeful or drink a glass of water. i might look at my hands with paint all over them.
I don’t think I am consciously aware that the moment matters or “reflecting on this impact how I relate to this moment,” for if I did, the moment would be gone and I would not be here experiencing it but would be watching me here (if that makes any sense). But in reflecting on this experience, I would say I am much more often present in the moment than I used to be. Time rarely “flies.” Why?
I think it is just practice. Practice in observing. Practicing listening. Practice in gratitude.
I personally do not experience heady spiritualism in this. Rather it is much more like Shunryu Suzuki says in Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind…”Just sit.” That will be stuck in my head forever, lol, or to paraphrase, “keep it simple.”
Just be.
Just be in the moment.
This moment for me is, “question.”
“… “reflecting on this impact how I relate to this moment,” for if I did, the moment would be gone and I would not be here experiencing it but would be watching me here…” – right on, Holly in Ohio 🤗😊
As Brother David says in every moment we have the opportunity to hope and to trust in God. So, every moment is an opportunity to give thanks for life and the opportunity to share God’s love.
At this very moment I am letting go with gratitude. We can never pin down this very moment before it moves on and into the past. It may seem obvious however grasping to keep things from changing keeps us agitated or one of many other not so pleasant emotions.
So at this very moment I’m letting go of the huge list of things I want done and becoming grateful for what I have accomplished today. I’m content with the now.
I found this quote very helpful today and it definitely is a reminder for me that how I relate to every moment matters. “Gratitude…goes beyond the “mine” and “thine” and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.
Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice. I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are still steeped in hurt and resentment. It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of a complaint. . . . The choice for gratitude rarely comes without some real effort. But each time I make it, the next choice is a little easier, a little freer, a little less self-conscious. . . . There is an Estonian proverb that says: “Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.” Acts of gratitude make one grateful because, step by step, they reveal that all is grace.” – Henri Nouwen
It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of a complaint. .——- yes!
Carol, thank you for your reflection. It brought to mind a chorus in a song/hymn by Gary Ault:
All that we have and all that we offer
Comes from a heart both frightened and free.
Take what we bring now and give what we need.
All done in God’s name.
Pligim, I so needed this today. It will be my prayer. Thank you.
Thank you, Carol. I relaxed while reading your reflection. When I started participating on this website, I also started viewing gratefulness as a spiritual discipline, the only one I have managed to (more or less) stick to. Blessings to you
I agree with you Palm as viewing gratefulness as a spiritual discipline:)
Yes, Michele, thanks:) For me, as a person who doesn’t practice any organised religion, gratefulness has given me the anchor.
I really really love your response, Carol!!!!!!! 🙂