In this crazy 24/7 world, we all need a reminder now & then to pause and reflect, to slow down, and to smell the roses. We can get so wrapped up in being "productive" that we forget about appreciating the rich gift of life. And you know, it’s been consistently shown that we are MORE productive when we take breaks. One of my favorite quotes is, "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans." (John Lennon, from the song "Beautiful Boy")
To that end, I would love to direct you to my friend Pat Katz’s site to subscribe to her PAUSE newsletter. I absolutely loved the one she just sent out and was inspired to share it with you here… I always "pause" from my day to read her newsletters when they come through. Here is a little sample of this week’s issue– I LOVE this idea of "Communities of Coincidence:"
======================================
REFLECTION:
In recent years, I’ve developed a morning routine that often includes a walk along the river, a meditative ‘sit’ on my riverbank rock, and a series of yoga stretches (in the backyard garden when weather permits).
What I’ve noticed in the last few weeks, is that every routine brings with it a community of coincidence. For instance, my walk includes ‘stocky sunglass guy’ – the one with the stiff neck and rolling gait who always nods ‘good morning’. Then there are are the two women walkers – one a nonstop talker, the other a bemused listener – who power their way past me each morning with a brief nod in my direction. There’s the work crew that has been laboring away for a month now on a huge house along the river – replacing siding with stucco.
There’s the elderly gentleman, in the house on the last block heading home, with whom I sometimes trade smiles as he reads his newspaper by the light through his living room window. Then there’s the jet that flies high overhead at roughly the same time each morning. I’m imagining it’s on its way from Ottawa to Edmonton with no intention of dropping down into Saskatoon. Still, I can picture the crew in the cockpit, sipping their third coffee of the morning, checking their instruments, and enjoying the fly-over view of the Saskatchewan river valley.
There’s an odd comfort provided by a community of coincidence. It offers points of connection that leave you feeling plugged into the world around you – noting presence and progress. What’s just as cool, is that when I reverse the equation, I expect that I’m a part of their community, too. "Heh, there’s that crazy lady sitting on her rock, again!"
I recall similar experiences of routine and relationships from my University days. Each semester’s schedule of classes spawned a new RR (regular route) through campus buildings and hallways. And as the days went by, a new community of coincidence evolved. In fact, some faces grew so familiar, that passing acquaintance evolved into friendship connections, as we progressed from noticing, to nodding, to smiling, to saying hello, to thinking we must know each other from somewhere, and sharing a cup of coffee in the cafeteria.
I’m guessing that you are part of more than a few informal communities of coincidence in your life, too.
ACTION:
Relationships are such an important part of a balanced life. Healthy networks are critical to our ability to handle stress and pressure.
Some of you may be quite content with the number and quality of relationships in your life. However, if you happen to be feeling somewhat disconnected from the world – and stressed out by a lack of relationship – try tuning in to your communities of coincidence. There may just be someone else out there who is ready to expand their circle of acquaintance, too.
From the e-zine, ‘PAUSE.’ Copyright 2008 Patricia Katz, Optimus Consulting. (877) 728-5289 or www.pauseworks.com.
Have a lovely weekend in YOUR community of coincidence.
lovely article on life.