I noticed when I published my last article there was an automatic caption stating two-minute read. I remember seeing this notation for the first time on LinkedIn with various articles and I felt that information was helpful in my time management however now that I'm writing blogs, I don't feel the same way. Now, I take my time to read and think about the content shared. In reading whatever the subject matter I question is that true for me.
New experiences open awareness
Today I decided to dictate this blog into my word doc using the microphone. It feels like I am missing a step of connection- I handwrite sometimes. To simply speak my thoughts into a device and have the words type on paper felt like cheating and I wondered how many people work like this to meet their tight deadlines, get their word counts etc. Technology has changed the way we move through the world; in some ways it may make us less conscious about the nuance of everyday life as we rely on these conveniences. I use GPS as I drive around Los Angeles in places that are unfamiliar to me. However, most of the time I prefer to walk so I can gaze into store windows, take in creative landscapes, new home builds, and I especially love wandering in any farmer’s market. I enjoy the change, the smells, the colors, and the nature of it all. Perhaps because I'm not in the hustle and bustle of the traditional working persons routine- is this still true in our pandemic times? Jumping out to create one’s own business affords new luxuries and a new lens on how I choose to spend my time. I have caught more things that are quietly automated or updated and see the ripple effect in my own life. Some use Siri or Alexa for answers or help and it can be fun. When is it a slippery slope? Does it matter? I am still contemplating.
For me, seeing these unrequested notations in my blogging makes me become more conscious of all the messages coming at me. When we write documents there's auto correct for spelling, punctuation, and language- I forget sometimes. But whose language is the standard? I'm not sure how many things touch our life where systems have already automated for us. So, do we dictate to it, or does it take dictate to us and therefore is consciousness rising or diminishing?
Paying attention
I contemplated this as I sat in the dentist’s chair this morning thinking about all of this. Just before the dental hygienist started to clean my teeth, I did something I've never done before I asked for numbing cream; she stopped for a second yeah today I want numbing cream and with that request I was comfortable as she proceeded to clean my gums and my teeth. I didn't have the excruciating pain that I had for years during and after cleaning. I wanted to know what it felt like to feel numb in my mouth I've been blessed with good teeth, so I haven't had root canals and teeth pulled and other procedures that make us put off dental appointments. I reflected on the choice that I made today. I didn't want to feel that type of pain today; I felt empowered I made a choice on my own terms.
Checking in
I did a mindfulness practice, checking in with how I felt in the moment sitting in that chair. I had a new awareness today. The more I rush I become fragmented from my core, the more distance I create within myself. I don’t know what I want or what my choices are in that moment. I wondered how many times I just let my choices pass -perhaps too busy or maybe I didn't think to care. All I can say right now is that I do care; I care more than I've ever cared. I care so much that I have care in part of my company name. As I walk through the world unpacking everything that I packed in for so many decades I no longer want all those things. Truthfully, I allowed others to pack in so much to get things done. I take responsibility for my actions. I am about the continual process of getting to know myself in a much deeper and richer way.
When I become aware the first opportunity is to question is what's true for me? Sometimes I must sit in the question and ask quietly and gently. I've taken the time and now I get these signals right away-call it intuition call it knowingness call it what you might. I'm learning more and more about what I like and don't like and how I want to move from that place of knowing. I invite you to really take the time, feel, and think about what's true for you. Byron Katie who I have admired for decades has a process called *“The Work” when I'm deep in a spin I will do her process. One of the things is checking your beliefs and the first question is what's the belief and is that true and do you know if it's absolutely true?
I don't know if you must do that all the time with everything, but I know that when I order from Grubhub or Amazon it does say when it will be there, and I hold true to that. However, I still question it as a practice for me.
I invite you to check in and see what's true for you. Until my next blog thanks for taking the time to visit my website, book my Coaching services and Centering Energy work offerings, and view social media shares.
I wish you all wellness and harmony.
*The Work of Byron Katie