All ready for the party
Whether one is running a race, about to argue a case in court, awaiting news from one’s agent, moving, graduating, or about to host a party (pre-covid) if one is well organized there is that period of time when one has finished all the preparation and the start of the event or new chapter. One has worked hard and, at times, even frantically and now there is this block of free time. There are no more exams, prep or other tasks which require one’s attention. I am sure that most political candidates are experiencing such a time today. In the United States it is a year for a major, and some say crucial, election. Candidates are running not only for president of these United States but for other federal positions as well as state and local positions. Some may be over confident, but many may be second guessing what they have done or not done. If hosting a dinner party one may be asking what so and so will think about the fact that one is serving only one course – a wonderful winter soup – served simply with salad and homemade bread! One may be comparing that soup to the multi-course meal that some other host recently served. If one is a political candidate one may questioning one’s decision to run for office or questioning the approach one took to the campaign.
It is easy for us humans to get caught up in the delusions that the destination, rather than the journey, is important. Although it is important to have a goal or a sense of direction most of our life is spent in preparation. If running a marathon, for example, the race itself last for an average of four or five hours compared to months or even years of training. If one is preparing for a trial one may have spent months or longer preparing. Most of my time as a counselor is spent preparing to work for/with others.
If one is primarily goal oriented it is, thus, possible that one is not present for most of one’s life journey. We may ignore the fact all the people we encounter in this journey offers rich opportunities. Mother nature presents an ongoing and amazing display of magic and often spiritual lessons or reminders.
The other evening I joined a friend for a dinner visit. Although we enjoyed the food, the purpose of the evening was to visit. Neither of us was going to starve if we did not find a safe restaurant with good social distance to share a meal. We met this lovely wait person – this seemingly very kind man who was transitioning from his career as a vehicle sales person to a wait person. He left his home in Boston some years ago to join his then wife and their son in Wheeling. Their son is now 20 and the marriage ran its course. The purpose of the evening for my friend and I was not to have dinner. The evening offered an opportunity to be present with each other, the wait person and others we encountered.
The movers who will transport some of my possession to my new home in Tulsa, Oklahoma will be arriving within the next 24 hours. I am packed and ready for them. I could easily spend this time worrying about whether they will show up as scheduled, if my possessions will make it without damage and whether I will enjoy my new home. Will I feel welcomed? Will I feel as if I made a mistake? Will I make new friends? Did I made a good decision regard the condo I am purchasing? On the other hand I could trust that I have done the best I can; remind myself that I am powerless over the outcome; and enjoy this gift of time and the possibilities it offers.
Today I choose to be present to the moment. If my mind decides to visit the past or the future I will quietly notice, bring it back to the moment and enjoy this lovely gift of time.
Written November 3, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
Whether one is running a race, about to argue a case in court, awaiting news from one’s agent, moving, graduating, or about to host a party (pre-covid) if one is well organized there is that period of time when one has finished all the preparation and the start of the event or new chapter. One has worked hard and, at times, even frantically and now there is this block of free time. There are no more exams, prep or other tasks which require one’s attention. I am sure that most political candidates are experiencing such a time today. In the United States it is a year for a major, and some say crucial, election. Candidates are running not only for president of these United States but for other federal positions as well as state and local positions. Some may be over confident, but many may be second guessing what they have done or not done. If hosting a dinner party one may be asking what so and so will think about the fact that one is serving only one course – a wonderful winter soup – served simply with salad and homemade bread! One may be comparing that soup to the multi-course meal that some other host recently served. If one is a political candidate one may questioning one’s decision to run for office or questioning the approach one took to the campaign.
It is easy for us humans to get caught up in the delusions that the destination, rather than the journey, is important. Although it is important to have a goal or a sense of direction most of our life is spent in preparation. If running a marathon, for example, the race itself last for an average of four or five hours compared to months or even years of training. If one is preparing for a trial one may have spent months or longer preparing. Most of my time as a counselor is spent preparing to work for/with others.
If one is primarily goal oriented it is, thus, possible that one is not present for most of one’s life journey. We may ignore the fact all the people we encounter in this journey offers rich opportunities. Mother nature presents an ongoing and amazing display of magic and often spiritual lessons or reminders.
The other evening I joined a friend for a dinner visit. Although we enjoyed the food, the purpose of the evening was to visit. Neither of us was going to starve if we did not find a safe restaurant with good social distance to share a meal. We met this lovely wait person – this seemingly very kind man who was transitioning from his career as a vehicle sales person to a wait person. He left his home in Boston some years ago to join his then wife and their son in Wheeling. Their son is now 20 and the marriage ran its course. The purpose of the evening for my friend and I was not to have dinner. The evening offered an opportunity to be present with each other, the wait person and others we encountered.
The movers who will transport some of my possession to my new home in Tulsa, Oklahoma will be arriving within the next 24 hours. I am packed and ready for them. I could easily spend this time worrying about whether they will show up as scheduled, if my possessions will make it without damage and whether I will enjoy my new home. Will I feel welcomed? Will I feel as if I made a mistake? Will I make new friends? Did I made a good decision regard the condo I am purchasing? On the other hand I could trust that I have done the best I can; remind myself that I am powerless over the outcome; and enjoy this gift of time and the possibilities it offers.
Today I choose to be present to the moment. If my mind decides to visit the past or the future I will quietly notice, bring it back to the moment and enjoy this lovely gift of time.
Written November 3, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
RSS Feed