I can see so clearly that when my focus for the day is getting things done, the more I get done or the faster I do it means I’m doing well and that it is a good day. It also means the opposite is true, that if I don’t get much done or it takes longer than expected it’s not a good day. Then life becomes all about getting things done efficiently, time is the enemy and I feel stress. If instead my focus is to be aware of what is going on around me, how I’m feeling, what I’m doing, then I am lighter, happier and I can never fail.
I started my day being greeted by three very enthusiastic dogs when I was on my morning walk. Not sure brought a huge smile to my face.
While waiting for the Airporter I met a woman from Bolinas who was heading to Salt Lake City to see her son, grandkids and great grandchild. We talked about the changes we’ve seen in Marin, she moved to Bolinas in 1968, the same year my parents moved to Mill Valley. She looked like the stereotypical Bolinas hippie from the 60s, and had such a lovely smile and calm demeanor.
I arrived at the airport to find out that my flight to LA was delayed by an hour and a half. Luckily, I was able to find a seat at the end of the concourse where I could see the hills of South San Francisco. There were huge windows, no planes were parked there to block the view, and it was quieter than the other areas nearby. To my right was a cordoned off section where the United staff could hang out so that made it even better. There was a teenager loudly snoring in one of the chairs and a plump toddler chatting away to herself. Later, she obediently cleaned up the crayons she had strewn everywhere. I watched my bag being loaded on the plane, something I have rarely been able to see.
I needed to stretch my body and was happy to find out there was a yoga room in my terminal. I had it all to myself, which is what happened on my last trip. It doesn’t seem like many people take advantage of these free, quiet spots, but I’m glad I know about them.
I’m reading a fascinating book called Planet Walker about a local man who walked everywhere for 22 years (from age 26 on) and was silent for 17 years (from his 27th birthday). He traveled extensively and earned several degrees, including a PhD during this time. What a courageous person!
I also spent part of my time attending a virtual nature summit, which sounds oxymoronic, but was cool because I could listen to the presenters when I was outside walking. So far I’ve heard from speakers about nature and psychotherapy, earth archetypes and nature meditation. It’s a welcome contrast to the traffic noise and lights in downtown LA.
