A Superficial Existence.
(3 minute read)
Long covid has taught me that before I was living a superficial life.
The things that I beforehand thought were important, actually were not
I look back in bemusement at the things I once worshipped - success, to be liked, everything going ‘to plan’.
I remember feeling empty, despite quite a clear abundance in my life.
But I guess it’s impossible to fully realise what you have until you know what it feels like to have lost it.
It does make me wonder, how many of us are merely scratching the surface as we go about our lives.
Heads down, on the go, running with the incessant tape of concern and worry in our heads.
Never fully actualising the beauty that surrounds us, the sheer miracle of our existence.
The ability to enjoy a coffee in the sun, the wind passing through our face, the vivid greens in a landscape.
I now see things I never realised were there.
I stop to look at flowers.
I marvel at a cheeky squirrel, beady eyes darting about.
I deeply inhale the scent of roasted coffee beans.
It is so easy to get lost in your head and engage in the never-ending script on play there.
I feel blessed that I’ve been shown another frequency that exists.
Another way of living.
If you take anything from this, I would encourage you to engage in some marvel today.
Marvel at the light pouring in through your window.
]The smell of freshly baked goods.
Your pet and his peculiarities.
The beauty of the outdoors.
Have a blessed day.
Reading your comment and the one below made me cry. Yes, partly with sadness, but also with, I was going to say joy, but it's not joy so much as a shared understanding and acknowledgement. What we have been through, are going through, has definitely aided are understanding and awareness of life, the planet, nature, art, beliefs, just as you say. It is incredible how much we have just taken for granted or ignored. Our eyes are now open, as are our hearts. In order to accept and carry on, we need to realign and redesign what really matters and remain strong - we will get there and we will know so much more than sooooo many others. Big hugs to all of you.
Beautifully said, Harry. Wonder all around us.
The experience has no doubt offered something of a superpower to have an awareness to soak up our surroundings in awe.
Things have been nuts here recently as we prep (again!) for a move - I work for our Federal govt, and you can imagine how chaotic it is at the moment. Nevertheless, our move will bring us back closer to the coast where plenty of incredible outdoor adventures await.
I’ve noticed lately that what free time I have is now generally spent as close to silent as possible, and ready for reflection. Hands in the dirt marveling over the amazing amount of life in a seed I plant. Walking and watching the spring buds break dormancy.
I sit here this morning watching the sun rise through the trees, trying to ID bird calls 😂 The smell of my coffee, the water sneaking through the cascades of our pond, and a sweetness of cool air on my face.
We’re lucky. LC is awful in a million ways and I hate that you, Tasha, and so many have experienced it. But I’m also so grateful for the resilience and awareness it’s brought us. This world and life are powerful in so many ways.