Making Your Day
Inspired by Clint Eastwood's iconic line from the Dirty Harry movies, "Make my day," I want to share a slice of wisdom that might just transform how you approach your daily life. Whether you're a long-time listener or just stumbled upon this post, I'm here to remind you that life is about living loud, seizing every moment, and making today truly your own.
The Mantra of the Moment: Our journey together through this concept of full-impact mindfulness often circles back to a simple but profound mantra: "Where are you at? I am right here. And, what time is it? It is right now." Let's embrace this mindset right here and right now, and truly make our day.
Living Without Limits: The concept of "Fishing Without Bait," is all about living without definitive expectations. It’s about not placing unrealistic expectations on ourselves or others. It's preparing us to expect the unexpected and to pay attention on purpose. One of our favorite mottos? Carpe diem—seize the day.
Despite the seemingly contradictory nature of having a structured life while also living without bait, what we're really talking about here isn't about becoming 'human doings' or repeating the same day over and over. Instead, it's about having a powerful, focused sense of purpose and goal-driven fulfillment. As quoted from The Tiny Buddha, "if you want an extraordinary life, you must have equally extraordinary routines and rituals."
Routines Are Not Just the Same Old, Same Old: Now, when you think of a routine, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the mundane—waking up, brushing your teeth, and going through the motions. But as we've discussed, routines don't have to be stifling. Instead, they can be a source of energy and a foundation for gratitude and connection.
Consider the morning routine: instead of dreading what's to come or dwelling on what’s wrong, ask yourself, "What is right in my life? What am I grateful for?" This shift towards gratitude and connection with the universe can energize and invigorate your day.
Deep Connections and Daily Reviews: Another key aspect of our mindful routines involves connecting deeply with those around us. Think about the people in your life—when was the last time you reached out? Remember, phone lines work both ways, and making that connection can be incredibly fulfilling.
We also talk about the importance of daily reviews. As part of this routine, consider what Benjamin Franklin said: "Your net worth to the world is usually determined by what remains after your bad habits are subtracted from your good ones." This daily inventory helps us understand ourselves better and fosters what I like to call 'magic math'—addition by subtraction.
A Liberating Structure: Far from turning us into robots, a thoughtfully structured day actually offers liberation. It channels and focuses our energy, allowing us to pay attention on purpose and infuse our lives with positivity. And with the holiday season upon us, consider this: instead of material gifts, perhaps the best gift we can offer and receive is our time—truly the most precious resource.
Reflect and Share: As we wrap up, I encourage you to reflect on these ideas and share them with someone you care about. Remember, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. This perspective can help us place material goods in context and find joy in kindness—both towards ourselves and others.
Until next time, Namaste—the divine in me recognizes and honors the divine in you.
