For most of my youth, I did not stop to smell the roses. With work and demands, I got busy. I was busy with too many activities, endless to-dos, and a need for constant awareness. Technology did not help, it only made things worse. I never left the office, because the office came with me through a notebook and a smartphone. I never ignore an email or message because I knew I would fall behind. Celebrations were cut short or diminished because of the demands of the day and the unchecked demand within me to always be focused and motivated on execution.
Along the way, I lost my ability to be in awe and with it the ability to unconditionally connect with others.
With the benefit of time, hindsight, and repeated Life lessons, I see this as one of the greatest self-inflicted tragedies of my journey. Practical Whispers I carry with me as reminders and triggers include the following.
Take time, as intentional as the decision to go to work on time and commit to a full schedule is, to disconnect. Letting go of my smartphone, even to the point of leaving the phone in the car when I arrive at a venue to meet with friends, is a gift to myself which comes with the potential of experiencing wonder, beauty, and awe.
When there is a moment of awe and wonder, celebrate! Do not hold anything back. Linger in the moment, enjoying the surprise, reveling in the experience, and enjoying it with others. Do not hold back when others have their moment, even silly and lucky moments when the player who never score over 50 in bowling has a strike. In the middle of ups and downs, take time to follow the example outlined in the psalms, “Hallelujah! It’s a good thing to sing praise to our God; praise is beautiful, praise is fitting.” (Psalm 147.1)
Look for awe, wonder, and beauty. They will appear when one least expects it. They are best understood and experienced when one’s heart is intentionally open, still, and free.
