Taking Time for You: Returning to Your “Best Self”

Going… going… gone…

No, I’m not talking about baseball. I’m talking about life. This is the time of year when things really get out of hand with all the holiday planning, get togethers, gift buying, etc. You need more time to get everything done and then your boss needs you to work late!

All year round we go and go and go. We get in as much as we possibly can each and every day. Although what we’re doing isn’t always productive, we just keep doing… something… anything. Many aren’t getting enough sleep because there is so much to do and get done, and this time of year just amplifies the whole experience.

Always running here or there, always keeping busy – is that all that life is about?

It is in these times in our lives when our practice usually suffers. There are always reasons why you can’t get to class. Problem is this is when you need it most!

We all need to give ourselves time. You can’t possibly be your best self if you’re running on empty. Your best self can see clearly, remain calm, and get the important things done first. Your best self is more efficient with time and therefore more productive in less time.

No one can maintain a sprint. We need to step out and get back to ourselves.

If life is a game, then meditation is a time-out. And it is during these time outs that we recoup, regroup, and are much better able to function in this crazy-wonderful world we live in.

Originally published December, 2004 under the title “Think On This…”