QUESTION #10 -- June 1, 2008
I'm going to refrain from using my sorry looking flowers and rose bushes as a metaphor for what I've planted this year, and answer the last query by saying the big seed I'm trying to cultivate is thinking less and acting more. I've become very good over the years at looking more at the purpose and meaning behind things, sometimes at the expense of simply diving into the moments.
Yesterday I was blown away by a new documentary I saw called 'Tibet Beyond Fear'. Do what you can to see it. I was riveted, moved and educated. It juxtaposes the stories of a Tibetan monk and nun who both suffered incomprehensible atrocities in the name of trying to advocate and exercise their religious/cultural rights. When they finally made their way to freedom and the western world they recognized that 'we' were not happy, while they were intent on fighting their demons and hatred of the Chinese in the name of living forgiving, compassionate, happy lives. They have succeeded in that quest.
And so...QUESTION #10 -- WHAT 3 THINGS MAKE YOU MOST HAPPY AND HOW OFTEN DO YOU MAKE TIME FOR THEM IN YOUR DAILY LIVES?
Yesterday I was blown away by a new documentary I saw called 'Tibet Beyond Fear'. Do what you can to see it. I was riveted, moved and educated. It juxtaposes the stories of a Tibetan monk and nun who both suffered incomprehensible atrocities in the name of trying to advocate and exercise their religious/cultural rights. When they finally made their way to freedom and the western world they recognized that 'we' were not happy, while they were intent on fighting their demons and hatred of the Chinese in the name of living forgiving, compassionate, happy lives. They have succeeded in that quest.
And so...QUESTION #10 -- WHAT 3 THINGS MAKE YOU MOST HAPPY AND HOW OFTEN DO YOU MAKE TIME FOR THEM IN YOUR DAILY LIVES?
I start almost every day with a ritual which encompasses five simple pleasures, takes only about 15 minutes, and costs almost nothing:
I grind up some fresh coffee and make it in a French press, take it out on the balcony to greet the morning sun, invite my cat out to join me, then I crack open a book on a subject I want to learn, read a few pages, and enjoy all the morning dove, quail, and sparrow songs coming from the trees, while petting my cat and watching her thoroughly enjoying the moment along side me. By starting out the day this way, I know that no matter what happens as the day unfolds, I've already captured a gallon of joy that will stay with me.... until the next morning when I fill up again.
Reply to this
1) Turning off all digital technology and enjoying the first sip of scotch.
2) Looking in on my kids beneath the glow of their lava lamps before I go to bed.
3) Talking with my girlfriend about anything and everything until we realize it is 4 in the morning.
The amount of time I devote to these activities is not as meaningful as the sheer quality of it. One good moment can fuel you for a thousand hours.
Reply to this
Wow, what a question...a good one at that too!! I wish the things that made me the most happy I could do daily, however it makes me appreciate it more I think. Spending time with my Godkids and their mom really makes me happy, no matter what mood, what kind of day I've had, their excitement and enthusiasm pretty much just melts everything away. Although I don't see them daily, I do see them weekly.
Reply to this
1. Watching my kids make each other laugh uncontrollably - daily
2. Completing any expression of creativity - as often as possible, never enough
3. Listening to people's raw truths - at least twice a week, usually more
Reply to this
Sorry, not publishable
Reply to this