Details
I spent 14 years in the events industry, at times managing up to 100 events a year. During that time, I often reminded my team that success was in the details. We pushed through long hours, reviewing all the details to ensure the best outcome. Exhausted, we produced over 1,000 events during my time! I was honored for being a great planner... with ‘an eye for detail.’ But, it was at cost.
Now many years later, through a different lens, I explore the details. . . .
Just recently, in mid Spring, I found myself outdoors during my morning contemplation and prayer time. Floating from the sky and practically landing in my hand was a baby leaf. I found myself touching and exploring this baby leaf; realizing I had never taken the time to do this in my 46 years.
In fact, if I were to be totally honest, I am not sure I have ever truly thought about the life cycle of the leaf between initial bloom and full bloom. You see, my eager anticipation after Winter has consistently brought me to focus on the resulting full bloom. Yes, I often will notice the initial bloom and then I have seemingly missed the true details of the in-between time to full expression.
Have you ever experienced this? Perhaps while driving to a common destination? Have you ever considered your commute? Perhaps you remember getting in the car (and the details of what led up to that), but then you are suddenly at your destination. . .
As I explored the little baby leaf, another slightly more developed leaf fell close by; as if to support the awareness process that was happening. I picked that one up also, and considered it as possibly in a ‘tween’ stage. Fascinated and excited, I ventured around to see if I could find any other fallen leaves reflecting other markers of the leaf life cycle.
After this experience, I sat to write in my daily journal. I asked myself and G_d (within, above and all around) to help me to live in more awareness, to have increased appreciation and to slow down enough to gain more wisdom from the process of the earth around me.
Today, I took a ride. It’s a ride I have taken before. I felt awake and alert through the entire journey. I saw things that I have never noticed before.
I Keep A Different List
My neighbor counts his losses and his gains,
but I keep track of raindrops when it rains;
he makes note of coins and dollar bills
while I am watching ants upon their hills;
while he is in the office making money,
I go out among the bees to gather honey,
and when he comes home tired and goes online,
I am in the back yard drinking wine.
My wife and I sit in the gathering dark
and watch the lightning bugs and bright stars spark
until we disappear, are covered up with night,
while my neighbor plots his life by computer light.
Self Observation- Red Hawk