If you were really present with your moments as they were unfolding, no matter what was happening, you would discover that each moment is unique and novel and therefore, momentous.
Excerpt from the book; Coming To Our Senses; Healing ourselves and the world through mindfulness by Jon Kabat-Zinn
This past weekend I sat in an auto repair shop for nearly 3 hours. I dreaded the thought of hearing what was wrong with my truck, how much it would cost, and admitting to myself that no matter what the mechanic said I would have to take his word for it. Knowledge is responsibility and I've purposely chosen not to be responsible for auto repairs. I suppose you could say that I've chosen ignorance over sensibility on this issue but I digress. I had options for dropping my vehicle off and just coming back later but I opted to sit there the entire time and take in all the repair shop had to offer. After I was handed my keys and headed for home, I was embarrassed to admit to myself that I actually enjoyed the experience. I was also ashamed at the truth of why I convinced myself I wouldn't enjoy the trip in the first place. My experience has been that auto repair shops are dirty, most of the employees smoke, and they forget they have oil on their hands when they grab your steering wheel. I felt sorry for them and wondered how they ended up with this particular life profession. Today my opinion has completely changed. Something happened to me during that experience that caused me to deeply reflect on my outlook on things. What a pleasure it is to get paid to do something you absolutely love. What a sense of pride they must feel to know that what they do literally keeps the world moving. Why do some of us have the opinion that if we aren't in a suit or carry a brief case that our work isn't as meaningful? Why can't I change the world by fixing one wheel at a time? I work for a great organization that does outstanding things for customers, employees and the community. I also believe that I could do a better job of championing how momentous this time in our life is and how wonderful the experience will be when we reflect on it many years from now.
My challenge to you this week is do something that you otherwise would avoid at all cost. Maybe its going to the mall and pausing rather than rushing to get in and out. Perhaps its standing in the longest checkout line at the grocery store. As painful as either of these options may sound, think for a moment about the experience that could possibly be awaiting you. There are many other ridiculous opinions I have about other professions that I need to set myself straight on. Truth is, I'm pretty exciting about facing my own biases and fears head on. Part of our leadership development includes the ability to gain incredible patience and keen peripheral vision. If we are constantly in a rush, we stand to miss out on not only meaningful data but absolutely necessary experiences.
