We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.
Jawaharlal Nehru, 1889-1964
Indian Statesman and Prime Minister
In reading this quote it reminds me of all the folks I've spent time with who aren't really here, connecting with me with purpose, intention and meaning. It saddens my heart, as time is our most precious commodity. Friendships a close second.
So, when two friends can't be present because of worries, anxieties, preocupied minds and hearts, it's a most unfortunate situation. One may have good physical healthy, but if one's mind is racing 100 miles an hour, thinking of this, that and the other and otherwise, what Buddhists call, engaged in "monkey mind" then they're really not present at all. And what good is getting together?
Perhaps so that one of the friends can set a good example of slowing down. Speaking slowly, eating slowly, maintaining eye contact while talking, speaking thoughtfully and sincerely are all ways we can connect better. But, it's getting rarer and rarer that two people can establish and maintain this kind of connection.
Whenever I'm with someone who isn't all there, I feel more agitated myself. My heart rate increases and I feel more tense, uptight and distracted. That's no fun. When the other person is calm, collected and centered, I feel refreshed, more myself and engaged, interested and alive. Just last week I had a sample of a disconnected encounter and then, yesterday, a most connected, happy visit with a woman who is surely to be admired. For, she not only keeps a lovely, clutter-free, light, airey home, but she is warm and friendly the minute one walks across her threshold--physically and spiritually--and, therefore, a real pleasure to be around!
Slow down. Breathe. Stop and smell the roses. You only go around once.
