It is so easy to be caught up in the minutiae of everyday life coupled with the periodic drama of breakdown of cars or appliances (or hurricanes or fires!) that demand our immediate attention. The distinction between what is urgent and what is important and the ability to recognize both the overlap and separation of the two can be challenging. A ringing phone or text message chime may appear to be urgent but is not necessarily important. Maintenance of car and home and body is important, but not always urgent until something goes wrong. Giving your full attention to a loved one is extremely important, but sadly, often neglected. Sometimes our life is so full of urgent drama that we don’t think we have time for the quietly important things, like nurturing relationships or self care.
According to Jon Kabot-Zin in his book Coming To Our Senses, the “journey towards greater health and sanity is catalyzed by mobilizing and developing resources we all already have. And the most important one is our capacity for paying attention…. Paying attention refines awareness, that feature of our being that, along with language distinguishes the potential of our species for learning and for transformation, both individual and collective. We grow and change and learn and become aware through the direct apprehension of things through our five sense coupled with our powers of mind…”
As we near the holidays, we can make a conscious choice to focus attention on the bounty we have, on appreciation of everyone and everything rather than getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of what we think we should do or have. Being present in the moment while cultivating and expressing gratitude can help us avoid common holiday pitfalls and bring more joy to our celebrations. As poet Wu-Men wrote, "If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.”
According to Jon Kabot-Zin in his book Coming To Our Senses, the “journey towards greater health and sanity is catalyzed by mobilizing and developing resources we all already have. And the most important one is our capacity for paying attention…. Paying attention refines awareness, that feature of our being that, along with language distinguishes the potential of our species for learning and for transformation, both individual and collective. We grow and change and learn and become aware through the direct apprehension of things through our five sense coupled with our powers of mind…”
As we near the holidays, we can make a conscious choice to focus attention on the bounty we have, on appreciation of everyone and everything rather than getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of what we think we should do or have. Being present in the moment while cultivating and expressing gratitude can help us avoid common holiday pitfalls and bring more joy to our celebrations. As poet Wu-Men wrote, "If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.”
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