Living on Purpose: One Rock at a Time


I just got back from Colorado where I spent a week relaxing, re-energizing and revisiting the key values in my life. The lodge where I stayed is called Peaceful Valley, and it has a chapel on the premises. I've been to Peaceful Valley and to this chapel many times over the years. The chapel is at the end of a steep ten-minute hike, which has become a ritual for me. The view at the top -- a part of the Rocky Mountain range -- is breathtaking.

On the way down one morning I was in a hurry and going too fast for the terrain. I nearly fell. There were lots of rocks, and it was easy to hit a wobbly one and slip.

I slowed down, took a deep breath, and placed my foot down purposefully on the next rock, and then the next. I soon sped up and had to slow myself down again.

I decided that even if I was late, I would place each foot consciously every time I took a step. It took a lot for me to do this. But it turned out to be an amazing centering and meditative practice. One rock at a time -- that's all I chose to think about. And I was suddenly more aware of everything -- the sound of the wind, the chattering of birds and squirrels, and the light of the early morning sun on the golden aspens.

I thought: I could do this more often. Be here now. Feel the touch of my foot on the rock. Feel the steering wheel as I drive. BE at the stop light, instead of minutes or hours ahead at the destination. Hear the birds outside my office window.

I begin to think that multi-tasking is overrated. The really hard thing is to be fully present in one place at a time.

How aware are you of this moment? Does life seem to speed up so much that you miss some of the most important parts? Take a moment right now and breathe. Count to 5 on the inhale, and count 5 again on the exhale. Take the time. It's now that you're alive, not yesterday and not tomorrow. Now.

"Centering is the art of being fully alive. And wherever the art of centering is practiced, things change dramatically." -- Tom Crum, "Journey to Center"

Wishing you good energy in every moment!

========================

© 2004 Judy Ringer, Power & Presence Training

You're welcome to reprint this story. If you do, please include this reference: Judy Ringer is a conflict and communication skills trainer, black belt in aikido, and sole owner of Power & Presence Training. For ideas and inspiration on conflict, communication, and creating the life you want, visit us online at www.JudyRinger.com/">http://www.JudyRinger.com/


MORE RESOURCES:

Inspirational pair sail through epic coastal journey
Milford Mercury
The Thorne Mason Trust also provides support and information to people affected by any type of cancer. A session takes place at Crundale Community Centre on ...



Ex-New York Giants star Michael Strahan predicts strong season from Keith ...
ESPN
Seeing from afar, he was always inspirational and always played hard and one of the guys you really admire of how he handles himself on and off the field. ...

and more »


New York Times

Marveling at Wonders Out of This World
New York Times
The images on view at a remarkable exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum here could well serve as inspirational space cards for this century. ...

and more »


Mark Halperin's Take: The Digital President Loses Two Rounds
TIME
As a candidate, he was all high-tech cool, from Facebook to inspirational viral videos (think the Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am) to electronic voter outreach. ...

and more »


Museum to host 'USS Puffer' author
Herald Times Reporter
For more information or to register, call (920) 686-1436, or go to www.hopehousemc.org. MANITOWOC — The Manitowoc Jaycees have launched a new type of ...

and more »


eco guidance from Japan's Edo period
San Francisco Chronicle
Build homes that are inspirational: Surround yourself with things that remind you of who you are. Show restraint: Don't have a house that's bigger than ...

and more »


Songs of Solomon Inspirational Ensemble Performs July 29 at USU
The Statesman
Harlem based performing company Songs of Solomon Inspirational Ensemble will perform a concert Thursday, July 29, in the Performance Hall on the Utah State ...

and more »


Russell Davies Appointed Head of Planning, Ogilvy EMEA
PR Newswire (press release)
I know that he will be a magnet for talent and an inspirational leader". Hugh Baillie, Chief Executive of the Ogilvy Group in the UK added: "Clients are ...

and more »


This week in Change
Salon
Frakes' group touts billboards on its website that portray a range of messages from inspirational Ronald Reagan quotes to a picture of President Obama ...

and more »


Autism: Transitioning To Adulthood with Chantal Sicile Kira & Son Jeremy
Age of Autism (blog)
Chantal Sicile-Kira is an advocate, award-winning author, and speaker known for her practical and inspirational advice on raising children and teens with ...


Google News

lincolnhsbrooklyn.com ©