The Time of Our Lives

Well, spring has arrived!

How incredibly quickly this year is flying by, despite the restraining, unsettling pandemic circumstances overshadowing our lives. Gippsland's fertile soil is waking up and coming alive with all the colours of the rainbow. The sun is finally radiating welcoming warmth, while the grass accelerates its growth. The birds are busily, vocally building their nests intending to expand their families, as are most creatures in this idyllic season. It's definitely a delight to see and feels comforting and uplifting – if we take the time to notice. Sadly,  life's organic, wondrous pleasures are easily overlooked and taken for granted.

We typically seem to get caught up in life's fast pace and wonder how rapidly the days, weeks and months rush by. Time is something we generally perceive as scarce, surprisingly even during the restrictive pandemic periods. It appears to make little difference as we conform, compromise and redirect our energies toward suitable tasks among fluctuating, mandatory coronavirus-induced constraints. Pandemic or not, there are always fundamentals to achieve, complete or rectify noted on mental or solid to-do lists anticipating our attention. The past nineteen months have granted us opportunities to tackle these dormant nudges typically earmarked for rainy days.

However, constantly chasing our tails, moving hastily from one responsibility or chore to another, we tend to focus on the outcome and often forget to enjoy the ride. Our tunnel vision commonly prohibits us from noticing the collective magic continually showering our existence with light and shade as we progress throughout each day.

According to esteemed physicists time is not real. It is simply an illusion made up of human memories. Everything that has ever been and ever will be, is happening right now. If this is indeed accurate, isn't it fruitful for us to slow down and create beautiful memories of each moment we are fortunate to enjoy? After all, each moment of our lives is one we have never lived before and will never live again.

Engaging all our senses, we are gifted to embrace and fully absorb every activity, experience or interaction as it arises. No matter how mundane, insignificant or even fleeting some occurrences may seem, there is always an offering of emotional, fulfilling nourishment. We just need to allow ourselves the time, or learn to be fully present to define the heartfelt purposes and beauty within each instance. Ultimately, the present moment is all we are ever promised.

So as we bid winter farewell, let's declutter our thoughts, spring clean our attitudes and allow mindfulness to blossom. Let's wipe our slates clean and start a new, refreshing chapter by welcoming our stunning, rural spring with eyes wide open and a new-found spring in our step. Slowing to become aware of the abundant blessings we receive throughout our days, no matter how minuscule, will surely achieve a sense of fulfilling gratitude and contentment, regardless of the uncertain, looming COVID-19 cloud.

Who knows, we may even begin to believe time is actually on our side.