So Much Beauty

One of my favorite movies is "American Beauty." The film ends with this breath-taking monologue by Kevin Spacey:

I had always heard your entire life flashes in front of your eyes the second before you die. First of all, that one second isn't a second at all, it stretches forever, like an ocean of time....for me, it was lying on my back at Boy Scout Camp, watching falling stars...and yellow leaves, from the maple trees that lined our street...Or my grandmother's hands, and the way her skin seemed like paper...and the first time I saw my cousin Tony's brand new Firebird. And Janie...and Janie. And... Carolyn. I guess I could be really pissed off about what happened to me...but it's hard to stay mad, when there's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst...and then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain. And I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life...(amused) You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure. But don't worry...(cut to black) You will someday.

What is one way you can experience a higher level of awareness on a day-to-day basis?

Start a Daily Journal!

“In a tough economy, one job posting can receive as many as 700 applications,’’ said Freedman. “People vastly underestimate how long a job search can take, especially with other responsibilities. Getting a job is a full-time job. You need to water the plant every day, versus dumping a bucket of water on it once a week.’’
- Elizabeth Freedman, a career and workplace consultant who is also the author of “Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself."

I was drawn to Ms. Freedman's comment about watering the plant everyday, as opposed to, dumping a bucket of water on something you are cultivating. Watering a plant is directed, specific, careful, and done with attention and mindfulness. Dumping a bucket on something is haphazard and quick; devoid of intention. 

Start keeping a journal and you will begin watering that flower regularly. Write at least a few sentences every day. As your go through your day, take mental snapshots of unique moments and thoughts: being aware of a hot shower, a song on the radio that speaks to you, or a funny quote from a child or just something that's humorous in your day. Maybe you picked up a book on Indian cooking and now you're planning to pick up a neat new spice to incorporate into your cooking. Write about it!

Here are some possible questions to get you thinking:
What is something that was ridiculous about today?
What is something I thought about today that I haven't thought of for years?
What annoyed me?
What made me smile?