After dinner the other night one of our four cats, Squeekers, was finally given the attention he so consistently demanded throughout the meal. Leaping up onto a convenient lap he enjoyed getting his nose scratched. He closed his eyes (I swear he was smiling) and to all appearances seemed to have completely tuned out the world around him.
When was the last time you felt that content, that satisfied and that fulfilled? Hopefully you can recount numerous occasions in the past week, but sadly many of us cannot. We can get so caught up in the “busy-ness” of life that we forget to enjoy those brief yet ultimately satisfying moments.
It is far too easy to complain about all the time we do not have. Thanks to 24-hour news channels and smart phones we are subjected to information overload. We are not victims of technology; we choose to be willing volunteers for this electronic abuse. Have you considered taking a break from it?
Leaving on a two-week vacation may not be possible for you this week or even in the foreseeable future. But taking a bit of time, even a minute, just for yourself is most definitely something you can do. The next time you make yourself a cup of coffee or tea take a minute (just 60 seconds), sit down and enjoy the aroma and warmth. Lie down on the couch and have a five-minute nap. This seemingly insignificant amount of time can do wonders to rejuvenate you.
I threw caution to the wind last week and treated myself to a soothing bath by candlelight. I even closed the door to the bathroom! I neglected, however, to see one of the cats, Lucy, between the shower curtains on the tub ledge before easing into the hot, soapy water. Knowing that God is always in charge, I found the purring was a wonderful addition to my meditation.
In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,
Terry
1 comment:
First, domestic cats and dogs DO smile. C'mon why wouldn't they?
I believe the eighties permanently impacted me in a positive way. We had so many deaths each year... one heartbreak after another, having to say goodbye to another friend too young to die. All that death made life most precious to me!
Since moving away from Southern California, I have made a conscious effort to do exactly as you say - slow down. Smell the roses and enjoy their beauty. When I moved back to the San Diego area, the slowest moving part of California, it was still too much for me!
It's a much happier place in here (points to head) now that I've slowed down to enjoy life.
Thank you for the reminder!
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