If you knew this was the last time for a long time that you’d be in a certain place, or be with a certain person, would you pay closer attention?
Be less quick to leave?
Can you practice that anyway?
I notice all the time that I’m distracted, and not fully seeing/hearing, or I’m checking the time, poised to leave when I’m still here. It’s sad to me how many times I’ve rushed out of a yoga studio after class, ready to get to a shower and dinner, rather than lingering in the space, catching up with other practitioners. People have best thoughts after practice. (Now I haven’t been to a studio for four months.)
It’s sad how many times I’ve multitasked during meetings or conversations, rather than focusing fully on what’s being said. Loosely hearing it rather than deeply, creatively experiencing it.
It’s sad how many times I’ve assumed that the person I’m having lunch with, or drinks with, or a phone call with is someone I’ll see again so soon, so I sandwich them between other plans when I could have simply soaked up that one plan. It’s dangerous to assume.
It’s sad how many times I’ve urged the dog along on a walk, when all she wants to do is sit down in the grass and look at the trees and sky. Why can’t I stop rushing and do the same?
What moments are we missing? Who are we missing them with? And what if they never come back around?
Pay closer attention. Be less quick to leave. Practice that.
