A little over a year ago, I was walking through villages in Myanmar. No mobile phones. People walked slowly and talked to each other. Food was prepared slowly and deliciously. A smile given was returned a thousand fold.
That was “normal” there.
One word "shocker"....BUSY!
Normal here? When I returned home after nearly seven months of travel, I heard a word I hadn’t heard in ages….BUSY!
It really caught me off guard! And I realized that is “normal” here.
Being busy is a collective badge of acceptance. How have you been? “Busy”. Whew, you are one of us, we are OK!
That’s not part of my normal! What response do I get when I tell people, “I’m feeling really refreshed and fulfilled in my life! I’m clear on my priorities and living well!”
That just annoys people!
What part of "normal" is worth bringing back?
So I wonder which parts of normal are worth bringing back? Thoreau has popped up in several publications as an example of early extreme social distancing. However, one part of his observations is not written about much: quiet deseration!
Before coronavirus, live was “normal” for many people. Keep busy. Rush about. Never get enough sleep. Master multi-tasking and the inability to be present. Eat out. Spend less time with your family. Sacrifice!
Beneath that normal was a live often void of fulfillment and meaning. What matters to you? What are your priorities. How do you live in a way that makes your life feel meaningful, purposeful, flowing and joyful.
Make that part of your new normal! Then you can answer the question of how are you doing with something like this…”I’ve been feeling really balanced and fulfilled, happy with my life”!
Reflections....one short year!
This morning, I went out for an early walk. The snow had stopped and it was cold. Very few people were out! However, the birds were! Lots of songs from every direction. Osprey hunted the lake! My first blue bird of the spring appeared to me. Lots of flickers and blue jays and robins and song birds. When they weren’t singing, the world was still and silent! Ahhhh….so peaceful!
And only one year ago!?!?
Bring back the “normal” that works for you. Smile more, be happy, stay healthy and enjoy life!