So the other day my friend Matti messaged me. He had a whole lot of good news to share. As you can see we made our plans to catch up during our commutes.
And yesterday, we did. It was glorious. I adore Matti, he’s a funny, sweet, caring and passionate guy.
He shared his good news, and I shared some of my own and it was just great.
The 75 minute of my commute just flew by, and as I pulled up into my driveway I found myself actually lamenting the end of the trip.
Which got me thinking.
I have a few pictures which I carry on my phone, a picture, and look at just about daily.
This one in particular is relevant.
A Dalai Lama quote, atop a picture of the earth. “Look at situations from all angles, and you will become more open.”
This speaks to one of the more hard to grasp aspects of mindful practice. When I’m being mindful, in and with the moment, I’m calm yet also at attention. Which means I can see possibilities in circumstances. I can transform a long commute into an opportunity to connect. I can put aside frustration with traffic and embrace time well spent.
I recognize this feeling. I’ve had it when running, when writing code, when cooking. It’s that feeling of being on, or in the zone. It’s being attentive without being anxious, while simultaneously being calm without being passive.
It’s magical.
I often make this kind of dark joke about how once you commence a mindful practice you don’t have to do it forever… just until you’re dead. Haha, lifelong obligation until demise Hoo, funny stuff.
But today I’m seeing something else. That feeling when I witness myself embracing the practice without judgment, and also without undue celebration, is powerful.
“Ah,” I say to myself, subconsciously, “once again, I begin my practice anew.”
That is not a burden. It is one of my life’s greatest joys.