Sunday musings – New Year’s Day 2017
I recall a time – just a few days ago I am sure – when 2017 seemed a very long distance to travel. As a teenager, I so “desperately” wanted to be an adult. Those were the years 1953 through 1959. Then as a young adult I was eager to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. Again, I “desperately” wanted the respect and perhaps even the admiration of others. I had yet to internalize the truth that I had all I needed to gain self-respect which is all that really counts. And so, it went, seldom being fully present at any stage of life because I was so focused on the next step which was going to gift me with the luxury to be present.
2017 has arrived. All those times when I was focused on the goal which was going to allow me to be have come and gone. I have no specific educational, career or other goal for 2017. My sole goal today is to gift myself with the sound of being- to truly hear what is present in this moment. This, as I have recently written, will require me to:
· Intentionally breathe.
· Listen
· Intentionally breathe.
· Notice if I want to comment on what I have heard.
· Intentionally breathe.
· Be intentional about noticing whether or not I comment/react or dispute what I have heard.
· Intentionally breathe.
· Limit further comment to “Isn’t that interesting.”
· Intentionally breathe.
· Listen
· Notice …
Sounds simple and, yet, I have been conscious of this goal for many years now. Once more I will gently remind myself that I am deserving of this gift.
Given that a new political era is beginning this month, it will be a year which I am provided with many opportunities to be intentional about listening. I know myself well enough to know that I will be sorely tempted to “add to the story” by pointing out the errors of the thinking and behavior of others.
Breathe Jim, breathe.
Happy new year – welcome to 2017
Written January 1, 2017
I recall a time – just a few days ago I am sure – when 2017 seemed a very long distance to travel. As a teenager, I so “desperately” wanted to be an adult. Those were the years 1953 through 1959. Then as a young adult I was eager to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. Again, I “desperately” wanted the respect and perhaps even the admiration of others. I had yet to internalize the truth that I had all I needed to gain self-respect which is all that really counts. And so, it went, seldom being fully present at any stage of life because I was so focused on the next step which was going to gift me with the luxury to be present.
2017 has arrived. All those times when I was focused on the goal which was going to allow me to be have come and gone. I have no specific educational, career or other goal for 2017. My sole goal today is to gift myself with the sound of being- to truly hear what is present in this moment. This, as I have recently written, will require me to:
· Intentionally breathe.
· Listen
· Intentionally breathe.
· Notice if I want to comment on what I have heard.
· Intentionally breathe.
· Be intentional about noticing whether or not I comment/react or dispute what I have heard.
· Intentionally breathe.
· Limit further comment to “Isn’t that interesting.”
· Intentionally breathe.
· Listen
· Notice …
Sounds simple and, yet, I have been conscious of this goal for many years now. Once more I will gently remind myself that I am deserving of this gift.
Given that a new political era is beginning this month, it will be a year which I am provided with many opportunities to be intentional about listening. I know myself well enough to know that I will be sorely tempted to “add to the story” by pointing out the errors of the thinking and behavior of others.
Breathe Jim, breathe.
Happy new year – welcome to 2017
Written January 1, 2017
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