I went to Red Bud Park today with my dog, Pablo. Despite the heat and the sun, I knew that getting outside and experiencing the realness of trees, the grass, the water, and the fresh air was definitely needed. It’s so hot, and I find it unbearable at times. But I also realize that it’s as hot as I allow it to be. To focus on the heat and the sun’s rays blaring down on me and Pablo is only making it worse. Instead, I bring my attention to Pablo’s sprint to the water as if it were filled with gravy.
Pablo throws himself crazily in the water and swims out for the ball I’ve tossed with no thought to the heat or skin cancer. I focus on throwing it as far as I possibly can to give me a moment to clear my head. Pablo bee-lines it out to that ball like it’s his purpose in life. He is focused and knows what he wants. The ball, the ball, the ball. He chomps down on the ball, taking no notice of the water splashing in his big brown eyes. Quickly whipping around his body with prize in mouth, he smoothly separates that water so beautifully with his lean sleek body as he returns to me.
This is truly living in the moment.
He drops the ball at least a foot and a half away from me in the water, as he does more often than not. He’s forgotten his focus and is caught up in his ego. The ego that wants to be the powerful one, the right one, the “better” one. Now, I’m caught up in my ego too, refusing to step into the water, get my shoes wet, and get the ball he has chosen as the focus of his power. This is my interpretation. Pablo is trying to “alpha dog” me and I am stuck in my ego unwilling to give him this title.
I take a deep breath and I let it go. I realize that I have the intelligence to know that my ego is not where I want to be. I do not want to be ruled by my ego. I don’t want to be at the mercy of my ego and all the insecurities and the self-doubts that naturally come along with it. I let it go, step into the water, get my shoes wet, and take the ball. I look at Pablo with his big brown eyes and the excitement and anticipation that is all over his face. I take the ball and throw it as far as I can again. Pablo and I are in the moment and relaxed with our own thoughts. I don’t know what Pablo is thinking and that doesn’t matter. All that matters is my thoughts, my experiences, and my contribution to the world and the people around me. Pablo and I are living in the moment and feel the most secure and the most relaxed here.
This is how we need to approach our physical endeavors to truly enjoy them. Clear your mind of the clutter and the unnecessary, useless thoughts and focus in on your physical self. Bring your attention to the sensation of your muscles as you move. This is the 1st step to becoming focused on the movement of your body. This attention to movement will allow your body and mind to work together and get the most out of each and every movement without distraction. Try this the next time you take a walk or during a specific exercise and you’ll see how much more you gain than before. Live in the moment and remember the focus of Pablo and the ball if you get stuck.
It’s all about the journey.
