it always amazes me how much we rush every day, in nearly everything we do. a simple task is made stressful because of traffic, a calm day at the beach is made less relaxing because of crowds and the need to stand in line for whatever.
where did we go wrong in our bustling modern society that makes us feel like we need to rush, or hurry, or do things faster than is really necessary?
i’m sitting at a local park on my lunch hour, taking a full 60 minutes to unwind from the stress of the office. at this park is a very picturesque little lake that is also bordered by an interstate on the north side. its this dichotomy that inspired this post today.
folks like me, taking 15, 20, 30 minutes out of their day, out of their lunch hour and coming to this park for a quick detox from the office. some simply watch the waves on the lake, others the traffic. a number of them are out getting their mid-day walk in, and many more enjoying the shade.
the interesting thing is that, while there are a number of people about, we’re in the minority. we’re just a few people finding he relaxation, or making the time to walk out of the building to the car, driving a couple blocks, and sitting watching what relaxes us. where are the rest of those that need it? what happens when folks don’t take the time every day to find the calm and peace within that balances each of us out?
how does this affect their coworkers? how does this unbalance their lives? is it any of my business?
the still of the water and the rush of the fast interstate traffic is the extremes in my field of view today and i’m just glad that i’m here to enjoy the few quiet minutes today.