Of course, the question is, what is a wasted day? There was a time when the value of a day, for me, hinged on my productivity. Did I get everything done? But things are different now. Today I sipped coffee in my back yard, listened to birdsong, enjoyed the breeze, and read from cover the cover a book about Carthusian monks. No grand gym workouts, no new essays written, or the start of a novel I’m thinking about writing. Today has been one of rest, reading, and reflection. I accomplished very little, and I accomplished a great deal (if we agree that rest, reading, and reflection are important). Thanks for another thoughtful post, Clint.
Good Question! Same for me, what is "wasted" has changed. These days, I consider a day wasted if I don't notice beauty, drink deeply from life, appreciate the wonder of the world and, on most days, create something or be inspired by something. Productivity is a byproduct now. I try to at least appreciate one good thing every day and if a day whizzes by full of work and I don't....it was "wasted." In a bigger sense, "wasted" would be a day when I have strife, an argument, friction with people I love when we have such little time together.
Wonderful! I love it and so often do think each morning how lucky I am and should plan for the joyfulness of this day. Life is good. That statement doesn't mean I have had no bad days... we all do. But I try to forget it and let it be, only concerning myself with what I can make of the next few hours.
Of course, the question is, what is a wasted day? There was a time when the value of a day, for me, hinged on my productivity. Did I get everything done? But things are different now. Today I sipped coffee in my back yard, listened to birdsong, enjoyed the breeze, and read from cover the cover a book about Carthusian monks. No grand gym workouts, no new essays written, or the start of a novel I’m thinking about writing. Today has been one of rest, reading, and reflection. I accomplished very little, and I accomplished a great deal (if we agree that rest, reading, and reflection are important). Thanks for another thoughtful post, Clint.
Good Question! Same for me, what is "wasted" has changed. These days, I consider a day wasted if I don't notice beauty, drink deeply from life, appreciate the wonder of the world and, on most days, create something or be inspired by something. Productivity is a byproduct now. I try to at least appreciate one good thing every day and if a day whizzes by full of work and I don't....it was "wasted." In a bigger sense, "wasted" would be a day when I have strife, an argument, friction with people I love when we have such little time together.
This is very Tao. It is also, for me, the finest piece of your writing that I’ve read. Thank you.
Wonderful…
Wonderful! I love it and so often do think each morning how lucky I am and should plan for the joyfulness of this day. Life is good. That statement doesn't mean I have had no bad days... we all do. But I try to forget it and let it be, only concerning myself with what I can make of the next few hours.
Beautiful, soulful and just what what i need today as my 99 year old painter friend is weary and not wanting to get out of his bed today.