Tuesday, November 22, 2022
The mind loves what’s next, and dare I say, it’s addicted to it! It creates a frenetic energy of perpetual motion, forward. Once something arrives, it’s dovetailed to the next thing, pulling you off the ground, never fully allowing you to “arrive.” Being rooted, open, and fully present is called being “down to earth.” A down-to-earth person is willing to chat, to say hello, or to exchange niceties, enjoying the company of others, or oneself. A down-to-earth person is always happy to see you, here and now.
If you want to see how troublesome “next” is, watch people closely. It’s in the consternation of the crinkled brow. It’s in the averted eyes, the lack of smiles and pleasantries. It’s in the curtness of communication. It’s in the aggressive driving. It’s in the stern walk, with a so-called purpose. The person addicted to “next” has no time for “now.” The future is infiltrating our opportunities to be simple folk, to have no agenda, no “next,” to disturb us from the joy of togetherness.
Neither the next nor the previous moment needs you. People need you. If you’re anxious, it may be that you’re “too busy” with next. Now is the only moment worthy of your attention, especially when people are with you. Now is when your feet are actually on the ground, and your mind out of the clouds. Come down to earth. Why not? The world needs more “down-to-earth” kinds of folks, the ones who smile and wave at each other, who can chitchat and say hello without the urge of next. The next moment is never as important as the next person who happens to be right in front of you. Give next a rest, come down to earth, and give now a try.