July 12, 2013

ISIQ-0192

“Spend the afternoon. You can’t take it with you.” – Annie Dillard

Occasionally I feel guilty for wasting time, or lazing about when I could otherwise be working. I have such an ingrained work ethic that there is often an internal conflict when I take time for myself.

But here’s what I know:

I only have one life. Any sunny day that I don’t get outdoors is a chance for warmth and enjoyment that has gone wanting. I owe it to myself to stand outside and feel the sunshine on my face, EVERY SINGLE DAY, that the sun shines, in my lifetime.

In my one life, I owe it to myself to RELAX once in a while.

To get away from my screens, and to get back to nature.

And to simply BE in the outdoors. And breathe.

What about you?

Here’s a challenge: Instead of sitting at your desk for lunch, go outside. Leave your phone/tablet/online-device behind, and simply sit.

Listen. Look. Feel. Experience nature, in all its glory, and be present to the wonder you are surrounded by every day.

Today’s IQ image was taken as I walked, skipped and meandered with my darling daughter – hand in hand – from the Opera House back to our bus stop.

The city hasn’t looked this beautiful to me for a long, long time. I think it was because I was really present.

Present to Indrani’s warm hand pressed into mine. Present to the covers band playing “Master Blaster (Jammin)” at Opera Bar as we wandered past, then stopped and watched. (Until Indrani showed strong signs of boredom at Dad’s musical taste.) Present to the sound of the harbour. Present to the sun glinting off the glass of the high-rise buildings on the foreshore.

I was so present that I anticipated and captured the flight of the seagull into the frame, in the perfect position. On my iPhone.

That was an afternoon I’ll not forget.

Those moments in our lives are fleeting – but especially so when we are not truly there, in the moment, soaking them up.

So spend your afternoon. Enjoy it. Drink it in. You can’t take it with you.

With love,
Israel. xo

 

 

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