Reaching my fifties, I was conscious of crossing the threshold of my half-life. I'd probably lived more of my time than I had left. A rude reminder that this life is finite and not to be wasted. I needed to treat this time with more reverence than I had so far.
Looking at that bigger picture made me think: how can I bring that knowledge into my present? How can I not waste what I have, consciously, on a day by day or hour by hour basis? Like most of us, I am guilty of letting inconsequential tasks and behaviours eat into my day, frittering the time away. I began thinking of the ordinary tasks in my life and seeing them differently, delving into what does and what doesn't feel right to me.
I'm now waking up and asking myself:
What will nourish me today?
What would I like to achieve today?
What will make me smile today?
My answers will be different from yours. This morning, I'm going to stop using my computer as soon as I've posted this blog. I'll then tidy and be in the garden, watch the birds, harvest some salad and sow more spring onions (home grown onions are tastiest!), maybe I'll hang out with the lambs for a bit. Perhaps I'll even meditate for a while by sitting up in the meadow (This is a challenge.... I'm not great at being still). Then I'll work this afternoon.
I'm trying to live life slow and in the moment. Once, I wanted to change the world in a grand way, now I aim to do it seed by tiny seed.
Whatever brings your life meaning and purpose, focus on it, be intentional with it. As the writer Kahlil Gibran said, "Your daily life is your temple and your religion. When you enter it, take your all".
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