While I was away in Norfolk….
Staring At My Shoes
I walked along the sea defence between Blakeney and Cley yesterday, Frankie and Marlo, the cocker spaniels, in attendance.
I found myself watching my feet as I walked, stuck with some unhelpful thinking. The walk felt more like exercise than a walk.
I made myself look up, and in all ways my perspective changed.
Now I could see a harrier, fishermen, a bird in the reeds, the tide flooding in and the clouds. I could feel the breeze and the sun and the dogs scampering.
I saw, thought and felt something brand new. I was present.
Soon enough I was staring at my shoes again, I had left the present. “You shoes – I know what you look like” I muttered and lifted my head again.
New thinking arrived the second after presence returned. With that came new feelings. The longer I looked up the deeper it went.
The scene changed step by step, there was always something new.
My realisation yesterday is that new thinking (a.k.a. progress) is not in “staring” at what we already know (which is a trip to the past), it’s found in lifting our heads, helping ourselves be present.
Slow You Down?
You see this sign around the village of Wiveton in Norfolk.
It always has me thinking about how life feels different when I “slow me down”.
Taking my time, not forcing the pace or the issue, not having to reach a conclusion.
When I allow that to happen I notice life has fewer edges, it’s richer, deeper.
When we slow down life flows more easily through us, we are more present.
Happily, slowing down means less effort, it’s easier.
For me, all it requires is realising that not every thought needs my attention, or needs to be believed or acted upon.
“Slow You Down” too?