So, I'm not good at being lazy. In fact, I'm pretty terrible at it.
I carry around a notebook in which I document a fairly sizable To-Do
list. Tasks are divided into categories and prioritized in order of
importance. Each one is given a lovely check-mark once completed, and
then it's on to the next round of responsibilities.
I map everything out this way to help me stay focused on various
goals and to achieve a balance between my personal life and all things
involving my very public musical adventures. It's my own personal road
map, only that I chart the course and no one else does. I value this
freedom immensely.
There is such a thing as trying too hard though. We, myself included, can get so caught up in pursuing what we want that we take no joy in respecting what we have.
In spite of being so busy, there are things I try to do everyday to pace myself better. Amid all of the tasks, disappointments, and achievements, I try to take time every day to be grateful and make note of simple, joyful things that happen all of the time.
When I'm in a restaurant, I listen for the sound of laughter.
There's always someone laughing in a crowded restaurant.
When I'm eating, I try to savor the flavors and textures of the
food.
After a rainstorm, I like to stare at trees. They are always more
alive and more vividly green after a heavy rain. Their bellys are full
as they glisten in the sun-soaked aftermath. It is a subtle thing of
delicate beauty.
For that matter, I always stare at trees. Once in a while, I'll come across a gorgeous, gnarled, and very old tree and give it a little smile. They take better care of our land than we humans do but never get the credit for it. I like to cherish them.
I like to watch my niece and nephews when they are blissfully
unaware. My oldest nephew Tyler always looks so peaceful when he
sleeps. (Much like his Dad actually) It's a comforting contrast to the
times that he seems conflicted in his waking hours. My nephew Nacho is
like a little monkey--climbing everywhere with boundless energy. My
nephew Bubba is a sly one. He's more capable and aware then he lets
on. (Much like his Mom actually). My niece gives the best hugs.
Every week, I like to keep track of my Mom's garden. There's always something new blooming. It gives me great joy knowing how she fusses over every plant and petal.
Sunlight filters into my bedroom every day through a soft mesh curtain. The light is diffused and softened. It makes my room a joyful place that I call home.
To-Do list be damned. It is a priority to take stock of so many
little joyful things. Collectively, they far outweigh the few great
accomplishments that we strive so hard to achieve.
Starting this morning, I now take the time after I wake up to meditate and be grateful. I have this floor pillow, and I sit in front of my sunny window. I even say a little prayer. (I do not consider myself a religious person, but I am not an atheist either. My intuition tells me that there is a palpable energy that links me to all things and all things to each other. I know that I am, in some synergistic way, connected to a little boy playing soccer in South Africa, a grandmother baking a pie for her family in Russia, a pebble in a valley in Tibet, or a grand piano sitting quietly on a stage somewhere). I am wanting to re-align myself with this energy. This is just my own private little way of doing so.)
So yes, I suck terribly at being lazy, but I am making an effort at being tranquil, thoughtful, and grateful.
I guess this is not so bad after all.
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