Waiting

How much of our lives do we spend waiting? At stoplights, in doctors' offices, in airport waiting rooms, for a partner, getting ready to leave. It's a significant amount of time. How do we often spend that time? Checking messages or scrolling mindlessly on our phone, flipping a magazine, pacing, checking our watch, grumbling. But this time is precious, isn't it? In our last days or minutes, that time we spent anxiously at the stoplight might seem like gold.

When you find yourself waiting, pay attention to your breathing. Notice where your body touches surfaces, the floor, your seat, your hands on the steering wheel. Quietly describe what you see, what you hear, what you feel. Wait with your whole body, your full attention.