When I was younger, I never sat. Or let me say more accurately, I never rested. I always had an agenda.
Young people can be terribly hard on themselves. In my twenties, I wanted to change the world, be an important writer, really make a difference. Nothing wrong with that. But it made it hard, sometimes, to enjoy a meandering conversation in front of the TV, or a relaxed cup of tea with my husband at the kitchen table.
I was always pushing myself. In my 30’s and 40’s, when my goals seemed less idealistic, I was still chasing a to-do list. Make that new Indian dish, finish my stack of library books, write that letter to the editor, work on my garden, and go for a couple of runs – all before work on Monday.
My goals changed through the years, but never the energy behind them. I was a young, healthy force in motion, staying in motion.
I reflected a little, but it was always with the goal of improving myself, being better, a winner in the game of life. Some might blame my unsettled childhood: making up for lack of friends and stability and self-esteem. Who knows? But I had to cross that imaginary finish line first every time, even in the most mundane arenas.
Then, one day, somewhere in my mid-40’s, I just couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t just go and go all day. I tired easily and developed insomnia. I couldn’t exercise as much I once had. I started reading books about aging and stress and hormones, and became a little depressed. I wanted my old self back, someone I thought I knew.
I learned I had to push myself less and rest more. I wasn’t happy about it at first, but I took the opportunity to learn some meditation, learn to sit in a room and do nothing.
And I really liked it. In fact, I loved it. As I sat, I glimpsed the bright recesses of my being, I found a core of love and peace, something that didn’t need fixing, just a little compassionate attention.
About 5 years have passed, and I still rest between tasks and take some down time every day. My health has returned and I don’t take my strength and energy for granted anymore. I have learned that stress will take it’s toll on all of us eventually, if we don’t make time to live off the clock sometimes: to laugh and love and relax without an agenda.
Now in my early 50’s, I am looking forward to the adventures ahead. I have found a new normal: a place that honors the goals I have for myself, but also appreciates the stillness, the beingness that has no goal but love. I now seek a mixture of work and play, striving and rest, with time to reflect on the person within and all that she is.
67 and just finding my new normal!
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What I like about meditation is it allows exploration of your inner world. It’s not for everyone… but it could be. Cheers Jamie Holding the Ball https://hirundinedotnet2.wordpress.com/
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In my faith there is one particular guideline that seems to correspond well with what you are saying: life is only available in the present. We take the “baggage” of past seconds, minutes, years with us as part of our personalities, but even as I write this, life has been renewed several times over.
An elderly woman, grandmother of a friend, whispered on her death bed “so, off to the next adventure!” A wonderful attitude.
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Yes, we are only alive in the moment, and what a blessing that we are continually renewed!
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I love it, Jen!
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Thank you dear! I really value your opinion. 🙂
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“I am looking forward to the adventures ahead. I have found a new normal” Now that is a great line!
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I got the “new normal” from a co-worker, who had been through some aging issues himself. The remark stuck with me. Thanks for reading!
Jen
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