I watched a somewhat amusing and slightly disturbing video today in which a cat repeatedly puts a paper bag on its head and wanders around the apartment. Here’s the link if you want to see for yourself. I haven’t yet figured out how to embed a video here, so come back after you watched.
Although it seems like a fun game for kitty, who apparently has done it enough times it can manage to move around easily without stumbling – I started wondering about how often I feel as if I have a bag over my head. What am I oblivious to? In what ways am I acting in such a habitual manner that I could proceed with a bag over my head and it wouldn’t hinder me in the least? Habits are funny things. We arrange our lives in routines to make things easier and less chaotic, but where’s the line where things stop serving? I seem to go through this period of reassessing my routines regularly every Spring. I think the natural surge of energy I feel after months of more inward focus helps highlight where I feel most stuck and where I’d like to see more movement.
The seasonal increase in energy makes me want to accomplish more and then the increased activities vie for the limited amount of time available in each day. Establishing routines seems helpful as an effective time management tool, but then sometimes it feels more like I’ve put a bag on my head. Fewer distractions sure…but not so much chance for serendipitous surprises either.
One thing I do know – it’s always a balance. Always a work in progress.
So it’s time to re-work things again. Mix up my schedule. Add in more frequent “artist dates” ala Julia Cameron to encourage new ways of looking at things. Perhaps do some furniture rearranging; add some new art to my walls; change my blend of coffee and switch to drinking a cup or two outside on the porch. It’s time to take the bag I’ve been wearing on my head, pack it with a sack lunch and go sit in the park and journal.
Are you inspired to make some changes in your routine? I’d love to hear.
i am inspired to take life, as well as people, as they are. go with the flow. when i’m able to do this, people around me are more content, and i am at peace. when i’m not able to accomplish this, i try again next time. i’m always given a second chance, to get things “right”…
Beautiful Donna! And I really like and understand that state of being at peace when you are in acceptance. That really does feel like flow – being without resistance. But thank goodness for second chances too!