On Episode 2 of The Nobody Guide to Life podcast, we talked about this idea: If you miss a day of your spiritual practice, don’t give up! In fact, you can use a “miss” as an opportunity. I was thinking about that principle today as I was driving to an appointment, and I wanted to share a mindfulness story with you.
I didn’t have a chance this morning to get into my usual meditation routine. I had to rush out of here, and there wasn’t a lot of time. So, instead of getting all befuddled about it, I decided to kick another practice into overdrive. I became very aware of mindfulness practice (you can hear more about that in Episode 1). I’m a pretty careful driver, but today I paid extra-super-close attention to my drive. I really took in the cars as they passed me, or as I passed them. I was hyper-aware of the exits as they passed. When I got to my appointment, I took the time to pay attention to where and how I parked, and at the appointment I talked little and listened much. It was all a form of meditation, in a way, but I didn’t zone out. Quite the opposite.
On the drive to and from the appointment (and at the appointment itself!), things seemed brighter somehow. Clearer. I can’t explain it. I’m not sure I can put it into words. Even now, as I’m telling you about it, there is a clarity I still can’t explain.
I want you to consider this idea again…the idea from The Nobody Bible: The events of everyday life are the opportunity for personal growth, personal development, and spiritual journeying. The things that are happening to you right now are the things that will propel you forward. Yes, there are things you’re angry about. Yes, there are things you’re stressed about. Yes, you may have missed your daily practice. Yes, yes, yes. But if you are committed to change in any area of life, you have to start from this point. This moment – even if this moment was supposed to be a meditation session, but instead, it’s something else.
I missed my morning meditation appointment. But I got in the car and used that commute as a chance to practice total concentration and mindfulness. My day is better because of it. And, maybe in some small way, my life will be better for it as well.
What do you think? How have everyday tasks taken you to the next level?