Last night I had a really funny dream about a friend and me. She was convinced that we just HAD to get tickets to an upcoming RUSH concert, because it might be our last chance to do so. First, I know I’m an oddity, but I’m not a big fan of concerts. Second, I’ve never seen Rush in concert, nor have I wanted to.
When I told my friend about the dream, she laughed (via facebook lol 
) and shared that maybe the ego gets afraid that we’ll give up rushing. That really struck me. If I give up rushing, my ego gets scared!? How funny is that!?
And, it makes sense to me. For rushing is always about being somewhere else, and enlightenment is about being right here. And, the ego, well, it’s not about enlightenment, that’s for sure.
I don’t particularly enjoy rushing. Does anyone? In fact, I do see it as an impediment in spiritual growth and emotional well-being. So much so that I’ve given it up for lent on more than one occasion. (No, I’m not Catholic — I just think Lent’s a pretty cool holiday when householders can adopt a more monastic point of view for a limited period of time and with limited renunciation. Yes, I know that’s a strange point of view).
Slowing down to the pace of the verb you’re in is one way to stop rushing. Think about it, what’s the verb you are in, right now? Reading? Slow down and breathe as you read. Take in the words, taste them, smell them be with each word for just a tiny moment. Fully giving it it’s due. Breathe again.
What if you were to slow down to the pace of the verbs you are in while you are in them? Washing dishes…driving…bathing…exercising….just being in the verb you are in. This kind of mindfulness has the potential to open windows of understanding in your heart and bring you into the preciousness of the present.
Wanna join me there? I mean here?
I’ve been moving deeper and deeper into my mindfulness practice in the last few years and am finding it to be a rich, sumptuous way of living. I’m looking forward to sharing this exploration with a small group of women in the south of France. If you are interested, give me a call or check it out here.
I love the idea of being in the verb you are in! It really appeals to the former English major hidden inside me.
Rushing is such a destructive way of living, even though we do it so often, thinking it is so important to be someplace else. Thanks, Melanie, for reminding me to breathe, and enjoy where I am right now.
“We are each victim to a self-limiting line of thinking – as often as we allow the shoulds of others to overrule the ought of authenticity.” I love the ‘slowing down to the pace of the verb you are in.’ Thank you for that. Now, if I can just get that through to the leaders I work with. I most certainly will continue to try. And your beautiful lanugage will help me.
Melanie I am not sure we live in the same world. I am sitting at work rushing to get things done that have to meet timelines knowing that I also have to get my daughter to gymnastics on time not to mention dinner.
Thanks for your comments all. Karen, I remember being in that world (the world of rushing here and there to meet timelines and make sure the girls were where they were supposed to be)! And, I remember a few distinct times of just stopping – mid-stream – stopping. I did this as a way of setting my reset button! Just pausing mid-stream to get re-focused did and does just that – refocuses me. I am never, nor have I ever been at my best when I rushed. Being more focused on the task leaves me less available to really living. I know it’s a challenge. It’s worth it.