The Navigator

Posts Tagged ‘being present’

Another good one that I’ve probably posted in the past but good to get the reminder.

A few days ago my daughter was watching something on TV.  When it was over, she left the room but didn’t turn off the TV.  I wasn’t really paying attention as I was deep into whatever I was working on at the time.  After a while I happened to notice that Spongebob was on.  Years ago I used to occasionally watch this with my daughter but hadn’t seen it in years so forgive me if I get my characters wrong.

In this episode, Plankton was trying to get Spongebob to make Crabby Patties for him.  Where I took notice was when Spongebob was explaining that the environment didn’t feel right for him to cook.  He told Plankton that he was used to cooking on a certain kind of stove so Plankton got him the stove.  Spongebob was so excited but found that he still couldn’t cook the Crabby Patties.  He told Plankton that he was used to cooking in a certain area of the room so Plankton offered to move the stove for him.  This little guy began to push the big stove around the room, following Spongebob’s lead and direction.  He ended up right back where he started, but much more sweaty and out of breath.

I went back to what I was working on but a little while later, I looked up at the TV and saw that Plankton had re-created the exact kitchen that Spongebob was used to cooking in and yet, still Spongebob couldn’t seem to cook the Crabby Patties.

How often in life do you find yourself looking outside for the answers?  How often do you find yourself saying “if only….”?  How many times do you feel like the conditions are not quite right – that something is off?

I don’t know what happened in the rest of the episode of Spongebob but what I do know is he really didn’t want to cook those Crabby Patties and he was looking for reasons outside of himself as to why – things for Plankton to “fix”.  The beauty is, he had the answers inside all along.

Much like Spongebob, you have all the answers you need inside.  If you spend all your time searching outside for them, you will NEVER find them.  Spend some time today going within.  Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and ask what is it you need to know today.  Then take action.

Let me know what comes up for you…

Make it a wonderful day!

I love smoothies.  My favorite are Pom-a-mango smoothies with whipped cream from Caribou.  They have to have whipped cream.  I don’t get them often but when I do…all I can say is yum.  I love the pink color with the cloud of fluffy whipped cream on top.  I love the fruity taste.  I savor every sip. 

My favorite part is the last inch or two in the cup.  This is the point where I realize most of the whip cream is left…about the same amount as there is smoothie.  I mix them together and my cup becomes a swirl of pink and white.    Not only is it pretty but its got this incredible creamy flavor that I LOVE. 

This process made me stop and think about other things in my life.  Do I fully enjoy every bit of the process?  Do I take time to savor the results of working hard on something?  The truth is, not always.  Often I just find myself moving on the next project, the next thing on my list, etc.  I certainly know the value of “the climb” as Hannah Montana would say.  I just get wrapped up in life and forget.

The smoothie reminds me to enjoy the process and really savor all of it including the end.

The wind is strong today.  There is much movement on the lake.  Beautiful blue ripples moving swiftly across the top.  I know deep down there is a sense of calmness for all who live here. 

The loons must be back but I don’t see them.  They are some place safe enjoying the sunny day no doubt.  The beavers have their dam still in placenear the spot I saw the cool turtles last year just hanging out on a log. 

The evergreen trees blow wildly in the wind, full of green, inviting all the other trees to join them.  Some of the trees still have fall leaves, resistant to letting go of what no longer serves them.  I am thankful that the wind is here to support them as they take that last step, allowing the newness of spring to step in. 

The sun is shining brightly in the blue sky, speckled here and there with fluffy white clouds.  A big change from last night’s indigo sky speckled with the glittering of stars.  Both equally brilliant.

It’s different here than in the cities.  No city lights to distract from the amazing aspects of nature.  Sometimes I want to stay here forever.  Never thought I’d say that but I’m in a different place now.  The solitude calms me.  The silence is peaceful.  The alone-time…much needed.  It brings tears to my eyes now.

Just a while longer, please, I ask.  Allow the sense of being safe, of being exactly where I am supposed to be, of being cared for by the Universe fill me to the top and out in every direction before I make my journey back to the “real” world. 

Or is this the “real” world??  I think it just might be.   I now look forward to returning home, bringing the “real” world with me.   Enjoying all aspects of my life and realizing that I can be in the “real” world any time I choose.