Daraius: We’ve got a great team at Million Mile Secrets. But I miss writing as much as I did in the old days! So here I am writing about stuff that I really care about (and which isn’t all miles-and-points related).
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. – Lao Tzu
I was late for my yoga class, the parking lot was full, and I was on my phone as I walked hurriedly past this sign.
Mother Nature Versus Father Time
I scoffed as I read it!
Ever since I was a child, I’ve always liked rushing. I know what I want, and I’m going after it. Why waste time, right? If I don’t rush, how will things get done?
Not many accuse me of patience. 
Slowing Down
And yet, over the last few years, I’ve enjoyed slowing down. I suspect this is a result of meditating and being more mindful and self-connected.
I’ve focused on doing less each day. I don’t take my cell phone in my bedroom. And I often will leave my cell phone in the car when I’m out with friends or attending a class so that I’m not distracted.
And I even went a few weekends without checking my computer and email!
I Find it Hard!
But slowing down doesn’t come naturally to me. I want to get things done quickly and efficiently!
I want to re-design the blog, but I’m frustrated that it will take ~6 months. I have a new idea, and I want it implemented immediately. I want to read a book quickly and efficiently.
And I like driving fast!
Everything Is Accomplished
I felt calmer and more relaxed after my yoga class, and I pondered over that Daoist quote for the next few days.
Observing Nature Helps Me Feel More in the Present Moment. It’s an Escape From the Rush of Daily Life. Or Is Much of My Daily Life an Escape From Living in the Moment?
Was it like a river, where the water twists and turns and eventually makes it peacefully to the sea? Not hurrying, not forcing itself to flow faster, just peacefully being?
Or is it like nature where everything that needs to happen, just happens? The sun shines, the rain falls, the wind blows, and the flowers bloom? There’s no rushing to put together a powerpoint presentation!
Or is it the realization that I cause suffering for myself when I want life to unfold exactly how I want it to unfold. And not any differently?
I’m a Recovering Control Freak
Nature doesn’t tie its self-esteem to outcomes. I’ve learned that trying to control exact outcomes makes it very difficult to feel good about myself.
But putting forth my best effort while adjusting and learning is something I CAN totally control. So I can feel great about myself for my process and progress.
I might not get exactly what I want when I want. And, yet, I find myself grateful for everything that has come my way!
Bottom Line
Life is unfolding right NOW, and not in the past or in the future. So when I think of the future and all the things I want to get done, I am not letting it unfold as it is meant to be.
And, yet, there is so much I want to get done!
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