When X Happens, Then Y Will Happen....Right?

When X Happens, Then Y Will Happen....Right?

Does it ever feel like life is filled with, “When x happens, then y will happen”? When I recently returned from vacation, it was only a couple of hours before I found myself wishing that I was headed back out on holiday again. I even had the thought, “When I go on vacation, then I will really be able to relax,” and I had just returned! I was shocked to find out how quickly my mind had slipped into planning mode and other thoughts like, “When I get home after work, then I will feel better. When the weather is warmer, then I will exercise more and be able to get back into shape." It doesn't take much for us to act as if what we are looking for in life is somewhere else or sometime in the future. Like John Lennon said, “Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.”

Jai India! Birdsong brings relief.....

Jai India! Birdsong brings relief.....

Birdsong by Rumi

Birdsong brings relief
to my longing
I'm just as ecstatic as they are,
but with nothing to say!
Please universal soul, practice
some song or something through me!

I’ve never really been able to “get into” poetry. I’ve tried. Many times, and with various motivations ranging from thinking that I “should” like it to hoping that I might feel something. And there have been a few occasions where it hit home. Like the time our dear friend Becky wrote a heartfelt poem and read it at our wedding. That was a special moment.

Gasping for air – fear and practice

Gasping for air – fear and practice

I don’t think we were poolside for more than 5 minutes before my friend and neighbor, James (a year younger and much bigger), pushed me in. I don’t think he did it to be mean, it’s just something little boys do. I have never been so terrified in all my life. I sunk like a lead weight (or at least this is how I remember the event) into the deep end. I remember looking up and freaking out because I couldn’t breathe.