Are You Awake?
Written by Kendall Bergman
Last week I asked about ways you remember. I asked if you romanticize the past in a way that impedes your ability to be present in the moment. Or, do you remember in a way that more holistically recalls things as they actually were? You can read that post here.
This week I wonder if you’re awake…you know, really awake. In that moment when your eyes open each morning, what are your first thoughts? Do you wake up and jump out of bed…all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed…remembering all the things you’re grateful for and happy to be alive? Or, do you hit the snooze button a few times before finally dragging yourself into the kitchen to make a much-needed first hit of caffeine…grumbling and wishing you could just go back to bed? More often than not, I land somewhere in between these extremes.
There are days when I wonder if I’m awake or simply going through the motions…one rote task after another. I don’t know about you, but there are days when I reluctantly get out of bed, turn on the coffee-maker, feed the dogs and probably turn on the tv. These days are typically fraught with low grade irritability that can quickly shift to anxiety and worry. It feels like I’m mired down and sleep walking. Spontaneous gratitude eludes me.
On other days…God days…I don’t hit the snooze button. I get out of bed early enough to spend time reading the Bible with a friend and in prayer with God. I am aware of how delicious that first sip of coffee is and I’m grateful. On these God days, I find that I feel less anxious and more easily step into peace that leads to an increased sense of presence from one moment to the next. I experience awake-ness in marked ways. I step outside while it’s still dark. I leave the back door open and listen to the morning sounds…birds singing, squirrels chirping, neighbors driving down the alley. In my awakened state, I am able to appreciate the extraordinary, normal and boring parts of my day.
No matter how I start the day, there is always the possibility to shift from a sullen disposition to one that more readily attracts and emanates light. I wonder about what allows for this. What is the secret ingredient? It is my belief that it goes back to practice. There’s that word again…practice. If you’ve read any of my previous blogs you’ll know that practice is a thing with me. I believe that the practice of a thing supersedes the mastery of a thing. Practicing the thing invites and establishes rhythms that nurture an awakened response. Practicing the thing opens up space for a shift from a not-so-good day into a God day. Practicing the thing reminds what I know to be true.
Do you know that U2 song, “Bad”? If you’re not sure or if it’s been a while since you’ve listened…I encourage you to add it to your playlist or click here to listen. Don’t be in a hurry…just let the melody and words wash over and saturate you. I think Bono knows something about what it’s like to wrestle with living an awake and present life.
Are you ready to wake up, but you instinctively keep hitting the snooze button? Could you use a thought partner…a trail guide….a champion to cheer you on? Don’t wait. Reach out today and schedule a complimentary discovery call! Or, email me at kendall@thediscoverywell.com.