It’s no secret that we are all very very good at falling into routines. In fact some of us crave a routine to comfort us, while others fall so deeply into the status quo they cant even recognize their own patterns as separate from what is really going on!

This is where paying attention can really shift us from “going through the motions” to really living a connected life. Being attentive is vital to a wholesome life experience and yet many of us just put ourselves on auto pilot to make it through our day. Once we have done this consistently we begin to stop noticing the small details and surprises that can make for a more interesting experience. The funny part of this scenario is that just because we have stopped paying attention does not mean that everything else has stopped changing. This is the illusion of stability we like to create.

The truth is we capture a state of mind or a vision of loved ones that is easy for us to hold onto, to relate to, our ideal. But actually the world and the people we love are growing and changing all the time. Once we think we know something or someone we stop noticing these changes, in essence we no longer see things as they are, but how we think about it all instead.

So take time to actively notice the differences in your job, your loved ones, your pet or the drive to work today. These can be simple or profound moments that engage and reconnect us with a life on auto pilot. Through attention we develop a passion for each moment and once we begin to really look you might be amazed at what you might discover!

Peace and Love, Jim