Recently, I was reminded as to why driverless cars will be so valuable to us. I was backing out of my garage and then “thwack”, I hit my husband’s car. I knew it was there, somewhere, but having backed out at least a thousand times before, and being distracted by all that I needed to get done, I was not present to what was right there behind me.
The busy life of a professional can cause you to think about the next thing, and the activity after that and the to do list, so that you too miss out on what is right there. Occasionally, this To Do focus can become overwhelming and lead to burnout.
The reversal experience “thwacked” me too. It reminded me of the importance of being present. It is often said that when not being present, you miss out on what is right there; in this case, there is an irony that I did not miss the car, which was right there.
Here are some things I am recalling and re-instituting for myself to be more present?
- 3 Breaths – This is simply taking 3 intentionally deep breaths to ground me. I do this occasionally throughout the day. Now, I am especially paying attention to use this when I am transitioning to a new activity, so that I can get present to what is coming up.
- Mindful Tasking instead of multi-tasking – There is a start up cost on our focus and energy every time we switch from one task to another. Using my calendar effectively can help me to be more mindful in what I choose to do. Also, it helps me to set more realistic boundaries (see the post prior to this one) so that I don’t cram too much into the time available.
- Implementing Nothing Doing Time – Spending up to 15 minutes a day doing nothing and allowing myself to be. I get to notice what comes up for me, thoughts and feelings, my body, AND not engage with this. In the past, this has been freeing. I tell myself, “I will remember what is important.” This helps prevent me from worrying that I have to write it down ‘now’ or act on the matter at that moment.
Until safe self-driving cars are available, I’ll need to be present each time I get behind the wheel and in many other situations too. My awareness of this has definitely increased, especially when in reverse.
What are some ways that you bring yourself present?
For ways to discover what works for you and develop your well-being, contact me.
Revitalize Your Life,
Dina,Well-Being Coach
203.744.YOU3 (9683)
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By the way, as for the damage to my husband’s car, thankfully, it turned out to be a minor repair.
