It seems that one of the issues we have with living is that we always feel there is something "better" to do. Therefore, we rush through whatever we are doing in the moment without paying attention to it to get to that "better" activity. The problem is that once we are in the midst of that "better" activity, we are already thinking about doing something "even better" without paying attention yet again. It's like when I am reading a book by Camus and, while still reading it, instead of being fully engrossed, I am thinking about the next book by Dostoevsky sitting on my shelf. Life seems to be made up of a whole bunch of anticipations of something better yet to come, and when it comes, it's a disappointment. I sound like Schopenhauer here, I guess.
The solution is what you suggest: try to be idle and live in the now. It takes a lot of practice, I guess, as I keep failing at this every day...
Finding balance on any level is the most difficult thing for me right now. Understanding how to respond to the pain and overwhelm of the “state of things” that serves my love for the world without abandoning myself has been a challenge. Finding that sweet spot between idle and wild sounds like an excellent way to start my day. Thank you. ✨
Beautiful Betsy, lately I have so much trouble shifting gears. For me, "parked" or "drive" are the only 2 gears. "Idle" has always been tough...
Yesssss! I say I am either a hummingbird or a stone. I'd like to find a middle ground : ).
It seems that one of the issues we have with living is that we always feel there is something "better" to do. Therefore, we rush through whatever we are doing in the moment without paying attention to it to get to that "better" activity. The problem is that once we are in the midst of that "better" activity, we are already thinking about doing something "even better" without paying attention yet again. It's like when I am reading a book by Camus and, while still reading it, instead of being fully engrossed, I am thinking about the next book by Dostoevsky sitting on my shelf. Life seems to be made up of a whole bunch of anticipations of something better yet to come, and when it comes, it's a disappointment. I sound like Schopenhauer here, I guess.
The solution is what you suggest: try to be idle and live in the now. It takes a lot of practice, I guess, as I keep failing at this every day...
Yes, exactly! This is it exactly! It does seem to take a lifetime of practice : ). Sigh. On we go. Take care of you!
Oh, that elusive, yet always inviting gear… great words, Betsy, as always. And, yes, I think Alfred has it figured out.
Yes--elusive, yet always inviting. So beautifully put, Ethan. Thank you! (And yes, yes he does : )).
Finding balance on any level is the most difficult thing for me right now. Understanding how to respond to the pain and overwhelm of the “state of things” that serves my love for the world without abandoning myself has been a challenge. Finding that sweet spot between idle and wild sounds like an excellent way to start my day. Thank you. ✨
I hear you. I so hear you. Take care.