I'm into books. But sometimes I find myself browsing recommendation lists or reading summaries (German speakers check out Blinkist) instead of actually picking up a book.
Such behavior is a symptom of our constant striving for more. We are busy planning the future and miss the present moment. But how do we get out of this? By trusting our intuition. And that's not fatuous, because even when you think about the future - the thoughts come to you intuitively. It means that the subconscious mind knows what's going on and what to do.
Especially for the things we ought to enjoy - reading, sports, meeting friends - it seems wise to not make it an object of obsessive planning. Because planning takes up more time than you might notice. When you begin to observe your thoughts on a regular basis, you'll find that you are potentially occupied with planning all along!
The minimalist approach (to content oneself with what's already there) is an efficient way to spend your time after all. And when you've finished all the books on your shelf, there is still enough time left to forage for the the next one. Just one, and then you read it. One at a time.
Start with nothing and go through your days... take note of what you really need. Most likely it isn't much. I try to see my life with those eyes and that's why I just started a Less is More project. Simplicity will bring happiness, I know it.
ReplyDeleteFinding out what you really need is a never ending journey. But you get to know yourself along the way - and probably enjoy who you are a little more every day. Awesome that you took the first step!
DeleteGreat article! I had some similar thought today when I was listening to the choir of the Musikhochschule Köln, which was playing at a nearby church, to which a friend invited me.
ReplyDeleteWhile the choir was singing I was thinking about the things I wanted to do later on instead of just listening.
But when I looked at the people singing and seeing the joy in their eyes and how they totally dived into the flow of the music, that's what made me totally aware of the present moment. Even more than the music, even though the music was great too. Seeing them so lost in the present moment moved me deeply.
Also I went through all my books today and I have a huge pile of books I will give away for free in the next weeks on my blog and Facebook :)
Viewed from the audience it's sometimes difficult to maintain focus on the music played. But from the artists' perspective it's about being enthusiastic enough to make them listen. If a singer reveals true emotions on stage, it's impossible to think of anything else.
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