A few weeks ago my friend Cheryl directed me the back way through New Orleans from Napoleon and St. Charles to City Park. The streets are undergoing infrastructure work in addition to the normal bumps and potholes that happen when you exist below sea level. Cheryl happily told me anything above 30 miles an hour just isn’t possible. It was wonderful to slow down and enjoy a beautiful drive with a friend.
Thank you potholes.
How often do we curse the potholes or anything that prevents us going top speed? Maybe hindrances are a message -> potholes = slow down. I had my first inkling of this during the weeks leading up to my husband’s total hip replacement. I was racing around town like a maniac taking care of any and everything prior to surgery. Over and over I found myself behind the slowest driver or suddenly being cut off by some car – constant delays to my progress.
It took me awhile to see that the universe was sending me the message to slow down. But I did; so I did.
Consider two thoughts from Omid Safi’s insightfully aware essay on being busy:
- “When did we forget that we are human beings, not human doings?” &
- “This disease of being “busy” (and let’s call it what it is, the dis-ease of being busy, when we are never at ease) is spiritually destructive to our health and well-being. It saps our ability to be fully present with those we love the most in our families, and keeps us from forming the kind of community that we all so desperately crave.”
T-rue.
This holiday I am attempting to be mindful, to enjoy each day, and also to be consciously thankful for everything and everyone in my life.
Happy Thanksgiving! So thankful that you read this one.
How does busy-ness affect your life and work? Comment below.
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