I have never played competitive sports, but from what I’ve been told, and what I’ve observed, the mindset for a “real game” is highly focused. Both small and large decisions, actions, and, maybe, especially, attitudes have consequences and can make a critical difference to the outcome.
When I first came upon this quote, it gave me pause. I sighed, and thought, “Wow, yet another impetus for me to stress about not doing things right, or being enough in this world.” If there is no room for practicing, I thought, when do you get to make mistakes?
But then I backed up and thought about it again. What if this is more about mindfulness; about counting moments as important gifts and proceeding in my days accordingly? Mistakes? Surely there are–and will be–many (as there are on any given Game Day). But could my attitude about my actions and decisions and attitudes be such that if I am filling my day with them, I am remembering that they are worthy of such time and effort? And could I also use this as a measuring stick by which to determine whether something should even get Game Day Attention?
What are the implications? Just another reminder to me to pay attention. To notice whatever it is that I am eating, or doing, or seeing, or hearing. If there is joy to be had, grab it and be thankful. Game Day can happen in my back yard, when I notice the magnolia blooms that appear almost overnight on the tree in the corner. All I have to do is step outside the back door. And it can happen when I am lucky enough to have to the time and choose to drive to Oso Flaco Lake. And I bring my “big lens” to try, yet again, to learn about manual focusing and exposure. Below are some of the outcomes…
I put that quote on the back of my phone case, because this lesson is something I think I’m going to need to relearn. Again, and again.
*As far as I could ascertain, this quote was written by Peter Ross Range in a book called Murder in the Yoga Store, which I have not read. Apologies to Mr. Range, if I’m off the mark with regard to what he meant by those words.
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Magnolia blossom surprises
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Sooo many lemons within reach!
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I can’t get enough of this reflection under the footbridge over Oso Flaco Lake.
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I have a thing about paths. I think it’s about “the journey.”
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I love texture and pattern.
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Pelican friend…
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The waves were lovely today.
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More texture and pattern
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Today was a good noticing day.
Mary says:
Good stuff!
teriecota says:
Thank you, my love!
Doug says:
We only have one life/one game to play … pretty sure that by definition it CAN’T be practice! Thanks for the reminder, Terie. 😊
Doug
PS …. wait! Maybe – if one believes in reincarnation – this is a REALLY important practice for the next life …
👱🏼♂️🐵🐶🦅🦋🦗🪱
teriecota says:
Now you have me all in a twist all over again, Brother! LOL…xo
Eileen says:
the picture of the little prints in the sand is one of my favorites (along w/the ocean pictures i am always so drawn to). i love the little prints because i have often wondered in my life who walked before us, in the same places that houses and buildings and parking lots now occupy. so beautiful, terie. XO
teriecota says:
I’m a sucker for footprints, also, Eileen! Thank you!
Jenny says:
Great post! The song “Lose Yourself” by Eminem comes to mind with this post but the thought of you listening to it while admiring your garden makes me laugh a little. Keep em coming mom!
teriecota says:
Lol…his song content might be a little darker than my lemons and magnolias…but I appreciate (and will try to embody) the passion!
Sher Castro says:
❤️ I, too, am trying this new thing of actually paying attention to what’s RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME! Let’s carry on with our eyes open and our hearts ready to receive all of it – all of it.
teriecota says:
This has been a lifelong challenge for me. I’m determined to make some headway! Let’s do it!