Do you notice little things? Do you pay 100% attention to your kids or loved ones during conversations? Are you moving so fast, head down, on to the next thing before you even have a chance to enjoy where you are NOW?
I took a quick jog around my neighborhood today, along the streets I’ve been jogging for 6.5 years.
All bundled up, my head down to both block the wind from my face and allow me to navigate the slush, snow and ice filled sidewalks in front of me, my feet pounded the (snowy) pavement in rhythm to the music from my iPhone. I was no more than ½ a mile from my house when something across the way caught my attention. I looked up. 4 or 5 huge turkeys were standing in the yard across the street. Without hesitation I stopped, pulled out my phone and captured this:
(The quick ending is a result of a talkative turkey picking up his pace in my direction. I’m no fool.)
I didn’t grow up with wild turkeys just hanging out in a neighbors yard, so images like this still create jaw-dropping moments for me. I turned my music back on and continued on my jog. Thoughts started flowing, “How awake am I to my life? Have I missed these turkeys in the past?” Even on the streets I travel by foot, bike or car pretty much every day, there is always something new to be seen. If I choose to wake up and see it.
Admittedly, there was time in my life, not that long ago, when going out for a jog meant serious business. I had a certain distance to run in a specified amount of time and slowing down to look at the scene around me was not part of the regimen. I’m so glad I’m not that rigid anymore. With that rigidity I missed out on a lot.
I was reminded that all we have is today, right now in this moment. Are you awake to it? To the people, places and nature all around you? Are you present with your friends and family? Or is your pace so quick that you miss out and as a result you feel slighted, resentful or even “out of balance”?
Stopping today to notice those turkeys put a huge smile on my face. Suddenly the wind felt a little warmer and my stride a little lighter. I felt awake and alive to my life.
There is nothing wrong with a fast pace. However, taking some time, even a few minutes, to slow down, look closely, mindfully and with full awareness of all that’s around you; that’s feel-good living.
Are you fully awake to your life, turkeys and all?
Other Great Reads:
Davina at Shades of Crimson writes about her photo shoot of the moon in her post Mother Nature Waits for Nobody, reminding me a lot about my experience today stopping to watch the turkeys.
Tess at the Bold Life offers up 60 Ways to Become the Person You Love. Comments off to give you more time to become that person.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Stacey,
I strive to be awake and in the present moment daily. I’m not so sure I’m even at 50% of the time yet. I am adding a second meditation time in the lated afternoon or evening to my schedule. Hopefully that will help! In northern MI there are turkeys traveling all over the fields and roads.
Hi Stacy!
What a “feel good” story! I can relate so well to what you speak of here. I am a very driven individual and when I go after a goal I am “on a mission”! I tend to work hard and strive to not let distractions sway me from accomplishing my mission. I learned the same lesson you did and that is to enjoy and be grateful for each moment of life. It’s great to be driven and focused, just don’t be blinded to how beautiful the journey is. Thankfully, I’m much better at this nowadays, though I am ready to grow and get better at it.
Seeing those turkeys was pretty cool. I love that. I am always looking out for these little signs. Maybe sometimes too much. I started noticing right after I read the book by Cheryl Richardson. The Unmistakable Touch of Grace… she talks about recognizing these type of sign posts. If you interpret it as a sign post for you? Great post and reminder. Thank you
Stacey,
Hey, that’s a great capture of the turkeys! Reminds me of last summer, when we had a group of about 15 turkeys visiting our backyard regularly. Our cat thought he could take them all on! Guess what? That was only wishful thinking for the cat!
There’s always something going on. So, as I sit here this morning, no one else up yet – there are still things happening. Right here around me. Things I don’t even realize. Probably some critter out in the yard, running around. The coffee machine is brewing fresh coffee. The furnace is making heat. Awareness. Makes me wonder how aware I really am? And what about when the hustle and bustle of the day gets going – how much am I fully aware then? To the moment. And being fully present in that which is right in front of me. A conversation. Some project. Am I just going through the motions, or am I really “in” that moment? Great stuff, Stacey!
Excellent post! So true! Often times, we are so intent on where we are going, we aren’t paying any attention to where we are right now.
Tess- It’s hard given our fast paced society and I often wonder if it’s possible to be “awake” 100% of the time, unless throwing it all in and moving into the mountains….
Keith – there are a lot of fast paced, driven individuals (me, too!) and I’ve recognized that slowing down once in a while can make a world of difference. Thanks for sharing!
DQ- I hadn’t considered it a sign…though, like you I’m almost always on the look out for them. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your comment. Hope you are doing well.
Lance – oh no, you’re poor cat! good point about the early morning…there is still so much going on we don’t even know.
Hi Becky – yes, we spend a lot of time in the future rather than here, now, today. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
I’m with Tess. I strive every day to be more awake and aware. At times it’s hard especially when I’m in a familiar place. I get into habits.
I’m working on that by slowing down and finding the beauty where I normally wouldn’t find it. I may notice the way papers are arranged on my desk. Very easy to overlook, but really the angles can be very beautiful.
What a great reminder. I love Turkeys. They prowl around my parent’s backyard all the time.
I just looked up the meaning of turkeys and it said: “Turkey: setting limits, appreciation, renewal”
Like you, little signs or moments of awareness like this rejuvenate me. The other morning when I was out shoveling at 3:30 a.m., I was cold, tired, and feeling grouchy. Then a little bunny hopped out from beneath a bush and started leading me from house to house. My whole attitude changed!
Hi Stacey,
I really loved this because after you took time to soak in the wild turkey sight, the air felt a little warmer…being about 45 miles north of you, I could use warmer air…all kidding aside, I hope I’m more awake to life and not the drone I used to be…walking through life on auto pilot…these days I take the time to notice things I might not have before…like the paper white bulbs my sister gave me are blooming and I take the time to breathe in their unique scent…or just taking the time to be awake to my stepson when I can tell he’s feeling left out.
Nameste!
Hi Stacey — I really enjoyed the story and video — I know I have the same kind of experiences when I’m walking around in nature — there’s such a staggering amount of detail that I often miss when I’m charging around trying to “get there.”
Hi Stacey, been here from the Jungle before, but it’s been awhile. This is jaw dropping! Wow! That would have been something to see live and I love that you had your phone to make the video. Thanks for the reminder on being aware, my youngest has been home sick all week and I’m trying to make our time meaningful by being emotionally present.
Hey Karl – Yes, habits can cause us to “sleep”…we’re so familiar we assume nothing changes or is new. That’s what I thought when I went out for a jog!
Megan – we are so similar as I often find myself looking up words. I love that definition…very fitting. Thanks for coming back to share that! Shoveling at 3:30am????
Hi Peggy – Thanks for sharing and after reading your blog, I think you are well on your way to an “awake life”!
Hi Chris – I know, “getting there” seems to always be the goal, but it’s the steps in between that create the fun and excitement.
Audra – Hi Audra, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. For once I was really happy to have video on my phone. I hope your son is feeling better, too.
Hi Stacey. I’m glad you stopped and got this. I enjoyed hearing the sounds of the turkeys… and the sound of your heavy breathing. It added a certain amount of drama to the moment.
I’m the type of person who always seems to be in a hurry, so I can appreciate this reminder to slow down and take notice of things. Thanks for the link too. Cheers!
Hi Stacey,
Great capture! I’m slowly learning to live more in the moment and stop more often to take everything in. Another thing I try to do is take a picture with my eyes, thus creating memories. Too often I’ve gone places or seen things and when I’ve gotten home it feels like I wasn’t even “there”. Stopping to take “it” in has helped me to s-l-o-w down.
Hi Davina – I thought the same thing when I heard my breath, it was kind of cool. you’re welcome for the link and thanks for stopping by!
Hi Barbara – Yes, I agree – when I don’t have a camera I allow myself to pause and watch. Breathe it in, if you will. Sometimes the memory is just as good. Nice to have you here.