FD Thornton
Getting dressed this morning in my usual retirement uniform consisting of a t-shirt, sweatpants, and an old button up shirt. For a moment I noticed that the only thing missing was the scent of pipe tobacco emanating from my clothes. You see, ten years ago smoking a pipe was my trademark. I used to love how people would go on about the pleasant scent compared to an abrasive cigarette or cigar. But as with most things pleasant and enjoyable, it wasn’t doing my health any good. So I promised my family I would quit.
Anyway that was ten years ago, so thinking about it now caught me a little by surprise. Sitting in my office with the blaring morning sun shining directly through the windows. I can’t help but think yet again of the passage of time and our every present plans to look to the future. It’s funny because I was listening to a series of lectures given by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh last night about living in the present moment. I assume the lectures must have had little impact on my mind thinking back to the smell of pipe tobacco and thinking forward to upcoming days.
But reflecting on it for a moment, maybe the lessons are sinking in. for one, no one can say they don’t ever have thoughts of reminiscing or dread every cross their minds at some point. The same is very much true when creating an itinerary for an upcoming trip or even a shopping list. When I write I often do it without a central thought in mind. I just peck away at the keys to see what pops out. Sometimes it’s insightful and ready to publish. But more often then not it simply gets tucked away in some lost digital file. I guess my point is to remind me that life is full of memories and plans both good and bad. And that spending too much time watering those memories often leads of regret or anxiety. So be mindful of what you focus on.
Anyway that was ten years ago, so thinking about it now caught me a little by surprise. Sitting in my office with the blaring morning sun shining directly through the windows. I can’t help but think yet again of the passage of time and our every present plans to look to the future. It’s funny because I was listening to a series of lectures given by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh last night about living in the present moment. I assume the lectures must have had little impact on my mind thinking back to the smell of pipe tobacco and thinking forward to upcoming days.
But reflecting on it for a moment, maybe the lessons are sinking in. for one, no one can say they don’t ever have thoughts of reminiscing or dread every cross their minds at some point. The same is very much true when creating an itinerary for an upcoming trip or even a shopping list. When I write I often do it without a central thought in mind. I just peck away at the keys to see what pops out. Sometimes it’s insightful and ready to publish. But more often then not it simply gets tucked away in some lost digital file. I guess my point is to remind me that life is full of memories and plans both good and bad. And that spending too much time watering those memories often leads of regret or anxiety. So be mindful of what you focus on.
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