Missing Chunks of Life
As I began my day today, with meditation time and an email check, the coincidental intersections of various sources struck me. It is consecutive day 99 of meditation for me, as I settle more into this important daily wellness habit. It is Day 25 in a 31-day “Building Healthy Habits Challenge 2023” on Insight Timer. I am experiencing a variety of techniques and practices and plan to incorporate some of my favorites into regular practice.
After today’s meditation, I checked the “Word for the Day” that I receive in an email from Grateful Living. Here were some coincidental intersections:
“Life is short, and it is up to you to make it sweet.”
-Sarah Louise Delany-
When we endlessly ruminate over distant times, we miss extraordinary things in the present moment. These extraordinary things are, in actual fact, all we have: the here and now.
-Katherine May-
“Would you rather move from distraction to distraction, or moment to moment?”
-Insight Timer meditation with Chelsea Pottenger-
Here and now. Moment to moment. That is where I find clarity and energy. Rumination and distraction cloud my mind and my vision. I miss so much at those times. I don’t want to keep missing chunks of my life. Research tells us that the average person is only paying attention in the here and now about half of the time. And the distractions of the modern world are powerful forces. They can pull us in subtly but completely.
Our son Sam turned 21 yesterday. An acquaintance died of cancer on Monday. Life is precious. Life is fragile. Life is short. The extraordinary is really quite simple—and it doesn’t cost a thing. Set your phone down for a few minutes. Or put a timer on it to remind you to pause a couple of times today and take a walk, have a cup of tea, jot down a couple of gratitudes, play with your pet, or whatever else nourishes your body and spirit.
Be aware of how our screens are screening our reality in the here and now. Human filters are still the most important ones. Filter out distractions today, even for a few minutes, and you will reap hefty benefits.
We are missing chunks of our lives, you and I. Which means we are missing chunks of each other and this amazing world. Reclaim some chunks today. Even small ones will feel significant. Even small ones will add to the positive stream of hope and action our world so sorely needs.
