Keep Your Head Where Your Feet Are
Next week wore me out. Thanksgiving is upon us, marking the official kick-off to the holiday season, and my upcoming work schedule is heavier than usual. I started thinking about my in-laws’ plans for their small gathering (none of my business, really - I’ll be at work), as well as the Christmas decorating and shopping that need to get done. I’m not doing any of it today. Not working, not decorating, not shopping. Just over-thinking those things, like pre-gaming. Wait, I’ve been in this spot before, and it is not a happy place for me.
When I was first coached to “live one day at a time,” I was sure my teacher was delusional. I was a single mom of two kids and a full-time college student with a job. My life would implode if I did not stay on top of the schedule. There was no way I could wait until a bill, an exam, a research project, or a meal was due before I started to devise a plan for taking care of it. What I learned was that I am to take whatever action I can to the best of my ability, and be done with it until such time that something else needs to be done about it. Thinking about it forty-two more times won’t improve the outcome.
I want to be part of the good for others, and when I’m worn to a frazzle, I’m part of the problem. This season can be hard for a lot of us, and we need to pace ourselves, take care of ourselves, and enjoy the ride. Even on a most difficult day, we can do anything for just one day. Jon Kabat-Zinn says, “We only have moments to live.”
This is the only time we have. The way was meant to be light. I make it heavy by adding on all the other stuff I can’t do anything about right now. Rather than wasting this day anticipating the demands of the days to come, I’ll live this one the best I can, and let that be enough. Here is a practice I learned from Buddhist teacher, Kevin Griffin, which he modified from Thich Nhat Hanh’s practice:
[First word(s) on inhalation, next on exhalation.]
In ~~~ Out
Deep ~~~ Slow
Calm ~~~ Ease
Smile ~~~ Release
This moment ~~~ Only moment.
Welcome to the moment. Be well and live with ease.
Peace.
