Are you “Productive”? I know I have not been. Here is why I am saying this. There is a famous quote by Alan Watts: “Stop measuring days by degree of productivity and start experiencing them by degree of presence.” By this standard, I haven’t been truly productive at all. For the past 15 years, stress and habit kept me lost in my thoughts most of the day including my walks to and from work, either ruminating about the past or strategizing for the future.
A New Welcoming Change
For the last 15 years, I’ve been fortunate to work within a 10-block radius of my home. With my current job, it’s a 20-minute walk from my house. While I am really familiar with my neighborhood, something remarkable has changed recently.
In the past few months, I’ve started to look up and notice the intricate
beauty of the buildings around me. The ornate rooftops, the interplay of light and shadow, and the architectural details that I’ve overlooked for years now captivate my attention. Instead of worrying about the past or planning for the future, I find myself immersed just for a few minutes in the present moment, soaking in the world around me.
Only recently have I paused to be more present, genuinely enjoying the beauty and serenity of my surroundings. This shift has brought a profound sense of peace and clarity. This has been made possible because I finally found a way to meditate for about 10 – 15 min a day via Headspace or the Positive Intelligence app, sometimes only 2 minutes at a time and even when I am walking
Four Realizations
Here are 4 realizations from my otherwise very basic walk to and from work.
- We Only Have the Present
The present moment is all we truly have. It’s crucial to notice and appreciate it to find happiness. Being present allows us to experience life fully, rather than letting it slip by unnoticed. Every moment holds its own beauty and significance, waiting to be discovered if we just take the time to look. - Being Present Helps Us Think Clearer
Constantly planning for the future or recounting the past can clutter our minds. When we are present, we create a sense of calm and space that enhances our focus when we return to tackling big tasks. This mental clarity not only improves our productivity but also reduces stress, making us more effective and content in our daily lives. - Life is Short, Work is Not Everything
Life is fleeting, and work is only a part of it. It’s essential to enjoy life now because tomorrow is not guaranteed. Taking time to appreciate the small, beautiful moments can enrich our lives in profound ways. Balancing work with moments of joy and relaxation leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. - Being Present in Small Moments Enhances Big Moments
Learning to be present in the small, everyday moments trains us to be more present during the significant, precious times with our loved ones—moments with our children, spouse, parents, and friends. By practicing mindfulness in daily life, we become more attuned to the needs and emotions of those we care about, deepening our relationships and making these moments more meaningful and memorable.
An Inspiring Thought
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Look up, be present, and let the beauty around you remind you of the joy in simply being alive. Each moment is a gift, and it’s up to us to cherish it. So, take a moment today to look up, breathe deeply, and embrace the present with all its wonders.
Your Comments: are you able to take a pause and enjoy all that around you? I look forward to your comments and questions
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Enjoy every moment of your life NOW! I am always in your corner.
Lei