Where are you? I’m writing this blog as I’m sitting in the LA airport waiting for my flight to Israel. Where am I? Eicha?
So often our lives are so busy with the tasks that we have to do; the projects to which we have committed ourselves, that maneuvering through life and stopping to ask “where am I” is regarded as a privilege rather than a necessity.
I’m sitting in the airport watching people come and go, trying to find their gate. And I reflect of my last Toastmasters meeting which I attended this past week.
One of the members tasks us to think about the concept of time and how we relate to it. It was part of an impromptu. Another member stood up and began speaking about the topic. They needed a third volunteer, so not surprising to anyone who knows me, I volunteered. And the following words naturally flowed out of me-“does time always equal money? Do we value time by how much we’re to financially benefit from it? Or, do we value time as a gift, something that once given, will not be repeated?” I’m sitting here at the airport waiting for my flight to Israel. The flight is delayed and people seem to be irritated. I guess I am a seasoned traveler, as I perceive delays as just something normal. But today I think about time as a gift. And I am here, precisely here, to benefit from this time. Hineni, in Hebrew, meaning- Here I am. This very moment, right now, did not happen yesterday and will not repeat it self tomorrow. Maybe that’s why the time right now is called present, because it is a present to each and every one of us. A bad moment is just that, a moment. A frustrating day is just that, a day.
There is one man here who is clearly an Israeli. (Yes, I can detect an Israeli far far away!). He reminds me a little bit of my dad. Middle Eastern Sephardic older looking person. He is wearing a white Adidas comfortable outfit for the flight. Pants and sweatshirt.
He seems content. He is sitting on the chair and looking around. While everyone around is on their phones, he does not seem to have one. Our eyes meet and we both smiled and acknowledged each other. Here I am, heneni. I am fully present at this moment and I reflect on all the beautiful moments I will have as I meet my Israeli family! I am here— Hineni!
I am looking forward to teaching my eight-week class elucidating the concepts about my upcoming book, Moments of the Heart—what a pleasure it is for me to explore the concepts of the book with others, at Congregation Neveh Shalom starting on January 8th. It will be super-nourishing for your soul!
Click here to register on-line or click here to email JoAnn or call the office at 503-246-8831.
And if it’s not the right time for you, I offer you several easy ways to connect with me to find similar nourishment—from my online classes, to my book, to studying with me!
Have a blessed day!
Dorice
yes, so true… how often we are caught up in the hurry and demands of life!
The ability to be present in the moment doesn’t exactly come easy for me – I’ve known this for some time – still working on it!
I am driven by getting things done and don’t exactly sit and soak up my surroundings .. with my daughters leaving for college next year – I’m trying harder than ever to soak it all up and live in the moment! This past weekend my girls and I took a road trip from OR to WA…initiated by one them i honestly looked for ways to make it not happen, but before I knew it we were packed up and on the road!
I followed the lead of my girls on the trip…..carefree and just wanting to experience life and new things – I relished in their youthfulness, laughter, and curiosity.. we toured colleges together and while I found myself stressing about what lies ahead for them and my fear of letting them go I reminded myself to enjoy the moment!
I’m so glad we took our little road trip and have the memories to reflect on our time together!