When I was in my teens, someone way older than me in years told me that all I was experiencing that seemed like the end of the world would be nothing but insignificant as I get older. He said I would be able to discern what was important and what was not. As a result, my life would be way more easier and I wouldn’t need to be in such a hurry. I don’t know if I believed him then but I am seeing it now.
My very good friend, @tengolotodo, finds his happy place in feeding. He is mindful and always so in tune with his present that it inspires me all the time. He goes on walks and uses more than half of his hive earnings to purchase feeds for animals in the park especially the birds (swans). His post always boils down to his simple and very positive outlook on life.
Growing up is not as sophisticated as it sounds. I used to think that I would grow up and have it all figured out. I would find out that wasn’t the case. I would need to live many lives (not in the literal context) before I could finally figure out just what works for me. It gets easier the more I fail.
Mindfulness or let’s say being present is not something I am very good at. Most times I am so muddled that I forget to breathe and I get caught up in too many distractions that I end up feeling empty by the end of the day (Tengo calls me a Whirlwind). The one thing I have learned that is priceless is Time.
Time. One simple word. I did not just wake up to the realisation that Time is a valuable asset and that I have enough. I did not just wake up and talk myself into taking things slow. You see, the one enemy of time that I can attest to is pressure. Pressure makes us move in a hurry. So much to do that I don’t take the time to look around me. Especially on Mondays!
But you see. Another friend of mine in his forties told me that it gets easier with time. He said the older you get, the more your priorities get clearer. You begin to see what matters and what doesn’t and unfortunately, many things you think mattered so much lose their value.
Funny how Tengo told me the same thing once before and I didn’t really believe it. Even when this friend said it, I doubted it. But then, I looked back and I realised that the practice I have imbibed now is as a result of all my failures. Every time I tried to practise being present and I would stop two weeks later, or how I’d try practicing gratitude and find myself comparing the day after. How little things would get to me and be enough to throw me off my guard.
I’m not saying I’m perfect. I’m not saying it’s all going well but now, thanks to the inconsistencies and the constant stress, I have now hacked into my inner-man. Learning to enjoy moments and taking the long way. Sometimes it’s like days just go on and on. I can’t believe it’s just the second week of the month. It feels like I’ve been here forever.
One thing I know I have been consistent in is my yoga classes. I just hit the six months mark and I have moved from Beginner’s class one to two. My body isn’t what it used to be. My mind too. I’m not saying I have a routine now but I feel more at peace than I would without them.
Starting my day in spiritual commitment, then physical therapy that leads to mental efficacy. I still have lows but now I have a better grasp on what I want. Did you know talking to animals is a great way to still your mind? Yeah, I had no idea either. But it is a great way to release oxytocin.
I find that whenever I communicate with Helen right here, it’s always short and brief but leaves me feeling giddy. Especially when she comes to say hello.
Johnbosco here recognised us from afar. These are goats I and my cousin have bonded with over the past few weeks, bringing them stalks of grass when we pass by.
This dog was a little shy, but at one point he came to sniff around and left before I could whip out my phone to take a picture. See his little snout?
Long walks are now a constant part of my days. I enjoy them too as I take pictures in the process. I enjoy taking pictures even if I don’t post many of them.
Do you see the little ones with the mother hen? I named this one Dora. I doubt I’d ever see her again but she did give me a side eye.
These are the ways I keep myself anchored. I begin the day with a “Hello God” and end it with “Hi Nature”. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
