Tashi Gomang Stupa right here in the Sangre de Cristos
Yeah, right; now what? Isn’t that the moment-by-moment question we are meant to be asking ourselves every day? Patrece on behalf of P-Systems (PS52, Series 8, Week 29: The New Experiment)
Coursing through us is a Universal flow of energy to give us the power to think, move, and create. Under the conditions of a normal day, we use this power without thinking about it. Gregge Tiffen (Tax Time: Are You Taxing Yourself?)
I woke this morning with this word: unsettled. I lay quietly with it for a bit to notice whether it was just a word or if I felt unsettled. No, just a word; the word to focus today’s post. Hmmm … If I don’t feel unsettled, what’s the point, the message?
I took myself to the dictionary. Beyond calm, quiet, and free of disturbance or upset, what does ‘settle’ mean? To put in order, arrange or adjust as desired. Oh. That.
In prioritizing rest over activity since returning home, I haven’t put my home and office back in order the way that I function best. When my energy returned, I leapt over that to re-engage in the bed and breakfast (lovely weekend guests!) and projects for the local board I serve on. And, since it’s the beginning of my personal new year, I’m asking ‘what do I want to accomplish this year?’
I notice a bit of angst about not knowing the answer. How do I want to direct the energy that’s available to me this year? That’s my big ‘now what’ question. I have some ideas and some choices that I’m mulling over, allowing to percolate.
While they are percolating, the more immediate ‘now what?’ is putting my attention on creating the order that I so need as fertile ground. There is clearing, organizing, and preparation to be done not just in the garden plot, but here inside: my office, the closet, and some cabinets as well. Yes, the garage too. The body could benefit from a purge as well. After all it is spring cleaning time!
That’s settled. And…
Asking ‘now what?’ moment to moment has the added benefit of keeping flexibility in my life. Yes, there is value in ‘having a plan and sticking to it’. There’s also value in taking an unexpected hike as Luke and I did with friends yesterday up to the big Stupa.
Our canine friends rest in the cool shade ...
Asking ‘now what?’ creates awareness of our choices and keeps us from operating without awareness.
Now what? Where is your attention and your energy focused this week? Are you trying to figure something out or to get unstuck with a problem? You have the energy, the power. Perhaps a simple ‘now what’ will open the door to the direction you need.
... and we find a quiet place for contemplation and peace beneath these Buddhist prayer flags.