Establishing a Morning Routine, the class I’m enrolled in, takes place on Zoom. Postage-stamp-sized videos of attendees in rows inadvertently provide entertainment. It’s difficult not to track participants as they jump up and down from their chairs, cats as they stroll leisurely across keyboards, or a cockatoo hopping around her owner’s shoulders.
Also entertaining, and difficult not to watch, is watching myself. I remember Nolan’s comment that he has better posture after viewing himself on home security video and I understand more what he is talking about.
Last week I mentioned that thinking of the word priority as singular was a help. Here’s what I’m thinking:
If this class is truly a priority, I would sign on while sitting in a room by myself. This would mean I could “raise my hand,” be unmuted, and interact with Susan as if I was in the same room with her. I did this during class #one. Conversing in real time with a person I consider my teacher felt like an honor. The class seemed more vital and alive.
I treated the second and third classes as one of several priorities. Yes, class was important and a priority but I also had other priorities: sitting in the living room (with earphones) basking in the Christmas tree lights, feeling in-sync to my reading-a-book partner and being careful to not disturb the peaceful atmosphere were all priorities for me.
Ironically, Susan focused on obstacles in the third class. The first obstacle, laziness, had three components.
The first component was said to be ordinary. I can understand ordinary laziness – things like not moving out of my bed or chair. Experts say sitting is the new smoking. I struggle daily to have enough movement in my routine. I love to sit and read or sit and write.
The second component was described as being disheartened. It could also be described as a loss of faith. I feel disheartened about our country and the deep divisions between us, not to mention my disappointment that we don’t have a woman president.
The third way to be lazy is by being too busy. This is when we don’t remember what is important. This gets us back to priorities.
In this busy season it may be more important than ever to set a priority or determine what priorities we want to work toward.
Next post I will list my priority for December. Will you tell me what your priority for the rest of December will be? Short one word answers and longer reflections welcomed. This question is not easy so don’t be surprised if it takes you awhile to answer.
Also stay tuned for the paradox of taxidermy!
Thank you for making reading exploring the mystery a priority and not letting obstacles get in the way. Nicky Mendenhall
12 comments
Still striving to be more understanding and patient. Nolan
Such a great intention. I have the same one and find patience to be particularly difficult. I think Dad had a similar problem as I remember him being impatient with me when I didn't understand something. Asking for clarification still is difficult for me.
One word, “myself “I am going to try to work on myself. That includes saying “NO” to family members . That pretty much covers it …happy holidays…
Well said. This gives us all encouragement to be on our own side in 2018. Thank you for taking the time to read and to write!
My priority for the rest of December is to finish a Christmas rug I have been hooking on. I think the hooking will be done, but then I need to wrap yarn around the outside edges and put binding on the inside edges.
That was more than a word….sorry
I am impressed! Hooking a Christmas rug is way beyond my capabilities. Sending the energy of completion to you.
So good to hear from you! Made my day!
My priority for December is not be be crazy when everything is crazy. What this means: having time to enjoy my family and friends during our holiday celebrations. How I do this: much prep and planning ahead of time (which does make me a little crazy), but to have dishes in the freezer ready to pull out and heat, gifts wrapped early, etc. helps me be peaceful and enjoy the actual time with loved ones.
So good to hear from You Connie! I love your acceptance of chaos. No matter how well we plan, and as you mentioned the planning itself can be crazy, life has its ups and downs. Come to think of it – maybe the ups and downs are more pronounced during the holidays. I am still learning the fact that no matter what I do there will be the down times. I may be writing more about this as it is key for me right now.
I thought the possibility you raised in exploring the mystery that not setting priorities was lazy was fascinating, although I think some people are just overwhelmed, not really lazy. I think we are not educated enough about priorities when we are growing up.
I think you are absolutely correct – I've been there – overwhelmed which I would hate to think people would say I was lazy. People usually do the best they can I believe.
Getting caught up on a bunch of half-finished projects is my priority for the remainder of the month.
I have some big projects that I want to undertake in the new year…and I want to be able to give them my full attention. Without being pulled here and there by the stacks of unfinished business sitting all around my office.
Fortunately I have been making good progress and that brings with it a sense of satisfaction and groundedness. Yaye!
Oh the half finished project dynamic – how well I know that one. I wish you lots of energy and luck as you work to tidy them up and bring them to conclusion.
I hear your excitement about next year and hope you will keep us informed!
Thanks so much for reading and responding!
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