 Here I am, so deeply immersed in one my passions! Listening to music at the Bear Creek Music Festival, November 2010 It is so easy these days to lose ourselves in our work, relationships, tech gadgets, and social media that we may lose sight of those things that we are truly passionate about. Remember that feeling when you were a child of being so completely engrossed in an activity that it made you feel just so alive. Of course, as a child, you don't even realize that the activity makes you feel invigorated, because that is just how you always feel. As a child, you are always engrossed in the moment; everything, and I mean everything, is new and exciting, an amazing discovery around every corner! As we grow older, though, we get submerged in our daily responsibilities, so much so that we begin to lose sight of that passion, not only for our hobbies, but for all the simple things in life as well.
So, what is your passion exactly? Is it running, painting, spending time with your kids? What gets you totally excited and jazzed up? What makes you feel alive, so alive that nothing else exists for you other than the present moment? Your passion doesn't have to be anything fancy or extravagant; in fact, wouldn't it be wonderful if, just as a child, you were able to find passion in all of the simple, even seemingly mundane aspects of life? Your passion could be as simple as taking a walk in the park, feeling the cool breeze across your cheeks, and hearing the sound of leaves crackling under your footsteps. It could be listening to the peaceful sounds of birds chirping outside of your window while you sip on coffee in the morning. For me, passion is all of those things, and also practicing yoga, listening to live music, and laughing with my closest friends and family. It is being present in the moment, every single moment. It is embracing each moment as though it may be the last. It is in realizing the absolute preciousness of human life that drives me to remain fully present, and this gives rise to my passion - to my passion for life, love, and community. It is this realization that allows me to find passion even in the sadness, even in the anger, even in the minor irritations in life situations. For all of it, the sadness and the joy, the anger and the peace, the minor irritations and the simple pleasantries, are all fleeting. All of these experiences are transitory. And, every moment is unique, totally unlike any other moment that I have ever experienced or ever will experience. It is this realization, this deep inner knowing, that allows me to live with my passion. So, I ask again, what is your passion? Consider re-discovering an old hobby. Perhaps, set aside some time to engage in this hobby, even if for only one hour a week, and notice how it makes you feel. Then, perhaps over time, translate that feeling into your other daily experiences such that every experience, every moment becomes one of passion. May we all live a life of passion and discovery, forever connected with our innate joy. Peace and love to all.
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