Our Holiday
We had an amazing short holiday in the Netherlands and Belgium during April. Lots of tulips, canals, art museums, cycling, history and special time with Miriam’s lovely family who she hasn’t seen since before Covid. While I’m still shaking off the jetlag, I do feel remarkably refreshed and ready to go again this week.
What Others Think
You’re probably aware I’m always banging on about living life in the present moment, because being anywhere else is missing out on the living part. But also probably giving ourselves a headache, or in Buddhist terms, creating ‘suffering’ for ourselves. When we are not here, then we are usually getting in our own way, making life harder for ourselves.
One of the most popular ways to do this is to concern ourselves about what others might be thinking about us.
Now, I’ve noticed that when I do allow myself to be randomly carried away in the thought stream that 95% of what comes up is a load of rubbish - and there’s serious doubts over the validity of the other 5%. I’m reasonably certain that is the same for most other people too. So, if they are all thinking rubbish most of the time, then why on earth would I concern myself with what they might think about me? How could that possibly be relevant?
The only reason I can think of is that it gives me a reason to feel compassion for them, because they are clearly missing out on living in the moment.
Billy Connolly puts it succinctly in his recent book. Rule number one for being a person who is Windswept and Interesting is:
“You have to genuinely not give a f… for what any other living human being thinks about you.”
Billy has a few other equally pointed rules and finishes with:
“And tell your story your own damn way.”
In other words be true to my deeper self. If I’m not, I can rely on my gut* and heart to tell me. Get on and live my best life, and enjoy it to the max by being here, in this moment, to watch it evolve.
For Presence - John O’Donohue
Awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
Have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
Receive encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
Respond to the call of your gift and the courage to follow its path.
Let the flame of anger free you of all falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame.
May anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.
Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
Be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.
Media Corner
*Speaking of the gut, and because he’s just so hilarious, really does not care what anyone thinks, and is such an astute observer of the present moment - Billy Connolly on YouTube
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With caring and kindness,
Rhys Dwyer
If you know anyone, from kids up who maybe struggling with body-held tension, energy levels, stress, anxiety, or choices, then please ask them to check me out. Bodywork and present moment awareness may just make a big difference.
Note that bodywork is always complimentary to prudent medical care.