Pay Attention!

Today I was struck by how easy it would be to go about my day inwardly focused. I have so many things going on at every moment I can get lost feeling overwhelmed by just being Rachel, mommy to three adorable, but needy, girls. By the time I get somewhere the last thing on my mind is others. I’m ready to just tune out for a bit while watching my kids at dance class or the park.

However, by “tuning out” I’m missing out on the opportunities for connections. I am a very shy person and don’t usually instigate conversations, but recently I’ve had some great connections with other parents at my daughter’s dance class. It is so rewarding to have adult conversations and learn about other people while also sharing a little bit about myself. So far it is just nice to have friends that one day a week to talk to, but maybe some day these once a week friends will become something more.

Maybe not, but I’m so glad for the time I do have with them: sharing parenting tips, talking about books and tv shows, recommending swim instructors or house cleaners. We never know what someone might have to offer to us, or what we can offer to someone in return. Maybe that person just needs a smile or a listening ear. I’ve tried to work harder to be patient and polite to customer service agents or make eye contact and smile to the Starbucks employee handing me a drink in the drive thru. I know that I feel better, and it is my hope that maybe I made someone else feel better too!

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life

“Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager.”
― Susan Sontag