What is this life if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?
William H. Davies
The familiar words of the poem, Leisure, ring truer today than they ever did. We live in a busy world and, for most, the idea of “down time” is just an idea. Between television and computer screens, a myriad of handheld devices and the thousand and one accessories that enhance your user experience, our lives are constantly awash with distractions. When was the last time you stopped to stand and stare?
“I don’t have the time.” If I had a penny for the number of times I’ve heard or said that; I’d be smiling to the bank. Each day, we receive a non-negotiable opening balance in our time account – 86,400 seconds. How we end the day has nothing to do with the amount of time we had and everything to do with how we spent it. Now, every time I catch myself blaming time, I replace my thoughts with a more productive one – I make time for the things that matter most to me.
Each day, we receive a non-negotiable opening balance in our time account – 86,400 seconds. How we end the day has nothing to do with the amount of time we had and everything to do with how we spent it.
While air travel doesn’t have quite the appeal that it used to, under the circumstances, one of my favourite places to stand and stare is mid-flight. I know I’m not exactly spoiled for choice of activities while at 30,000 feet but there’s always sleep or a good story. Being at that altitude and knowing that you have absolutely no control over what happens there gives one proper perspective.
The only moment we’re guaranteed is the one we’re in and what matters most is not what has gone before but what we choose to do from then on. Hurtling through the air in a steel capsule with no sense of anything but the confines of the space around me and the strangers I share it with, reminds me of that truth.
Davies’ poem suggests a time spent in appreciation of the beauty around us. My daily challenge is to take it further and, away from the noise, embrace meaningful reflection on who I am and how I fulfill my role in the grand design of humanity. The start of a new year is a perfect time to consider this and be more intentional about how we fill our roles.
Our thoughts shape our actions and our actions shape our results so “think time” should be a crucial part of our day.
When we don’t take the time to pause and ponder, we risk ending life having received much, given little and on the same note as Davies’ poem, “A poor life this, if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare.”
A poor life is no tribute to our creator whose desire for us is to live a full and abundant life.
How can you incorporate think time into your daily agenda this year?
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