As I turn my gaze towards “what’s next?” I feel it’s truthful to answer, “Who knows?”
This is true in my little world but it’s also absolutely true about everything and everyone else on the planet.
Accordingly, I am changing my approach to everyday living. Instead of focusing on tomorrow, I am doing my best to pause, close my eyes and just listen. “What’s next?” has become an outmoded question. “What’s here right now?” is closer to my true nature.
What’s here right now is the changing season. It’s beautiful and very quiet here in Sullivan County. Our four mile, daily walks are a feast for the senses. I’m enjoying meditating and yoga more than ever.
Lately, I’ve noticed (not for the first time) that I sometimes think too much and play not enough. Maybe it’s my aging, but I am more interested in plans to enjoy rather than how to employ myself. Fortunately, we have no mortgage, very little debt and enough work and savings to get by comfortably. So, why spend my time worrying?
Listen, there’s a lot of terrible shit going on here and abroad. I am not denying that. Every day I read about it and I am thoroughly disgusted with our mishandling of the climate crisis, wars and how we treat those who are vulnerable. It’s really bad and not getting better.
Still, in my lifetime I have seen the unthinkable happen. Things can improve. People and governments can change and work together. I am cautiously optimistic that our evolution will eventually lead not to Armageddon but to peaceful coexistence. That’s my idealistic imagination and my prayer.
In the meantime, I am reexamining in my own small way what it is to be gentle, peaceful and loving. I extend this belief to my friends and colleagues and the people we serve through action. I try and treat every waitress, customer service representative and those with different opinions with dignity and compassion. I succeed more than I fail.
It starts with loving myself, with the belief that my body, mind and spirit are precious. It then expands outward to those around me. It’s really not that hard, but it goes against the training in our dominant culture to win at all costs.
I guess I’m a bit of a hippie, a pacifist and an idealist. I’m probably a socialist, a tree hugger and a laughing fool, too. I’m okay with all of it.
How about you?
