Drive Slow Homey

Too often we rush through life like it’s a big emergency.  I’m certainly guilty of this- creating false deadlines, long to do lists & placing unnecessary & harmful pressure on myself to achieve & “get things done”.  Isn’t the biggest goal in life to be happy?  What is the point of achieving & getting things done if you’re frantic & miserable in the name of “chasing happiness”?  I only truly understood this recently but happiness is the way & it’s an inside job.  Happiness is a state of mind, a way of being, not some elusive point in the future when we have the perfect home, career, partner, body or whatever else is on one’s checklist for a perfect life.  Not that we shouldn’t strive for these things & make them a reality but when you're happy inside it’s like having an internal flame that never goes out, no matter what may be happening on the outside.  Do you want to live a defensive life where your happiness is at the mercy of external things that are almost all out of your control?  How much more peaceful & secure would you feel if you knew that no matter what happens externally your internal flame is always burning strong? And the ironic part is that when you are happy inside your external reality mirrors this.

I try to get outside everyday, usually by going for a run or walk.  Breathing in the fresh air, feeling the sunshine on my face & physically moving my body all give me some much needed perspective of how I fit into the planet & how my tasks & worries of the day are really pretty meaningless in the grand scheme of things.  When we get sick we are forced to slow down & the world doesn’t end when we miss a day or even a week or longer of work (sorry ego!).  Why not slow down when you’re healthy & enjoy all of life’s blessings?  Makes a lot more sense, right?!

Do you realize that Eckhart Tolle spent two years of his life sitting on a park bench in London?  This was a necessary step for him to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time.  My life certainly would not have been the same without him & his teachings.

Luxuriate in life my friends.  Before you know it children will be adults, our beloved pets will be gone & our own time on this earth will be gone in the blink of an eye.  Savor life.  Each moment is infinitely precious & is all we ever have. 

“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” - Chinese Proverb

P.S. I took this picture on Thursday on a beautiful stroll through the West Village.  I was delighted to see butterflies covering this plant & had a pleasant chat with some seniors who were enjoying the sight as well; we talked about our mutual love for NYC & our favorite spot to walk along the Hudson River, kindred spirits indeed :)