Meet familiar people and situations as if for the very first time. Open your eyes, not your past.
You know what to expect at the annual party, right? Uncle Joe will be there telling tired jokes. Mabel from Accounts will have an ailment she wants to talk about. Jay will stand on a chair and make the same old speech.
Don’t play that game. If you expect people and events to be the same as last time, you’ll walk down a familiar path. You’ll be living in the past, missing all the freshness and sparkle of what’s there in front of your eyes.
Instead, set your memories and expectations aside. Look into the eyes of someone you’ve known for years and make a fresh connection. Celebrate the moment. Be there; not miles away and years ago.
The problem
You think you know what’s coming. You’ve been there before. So you switch off, turn on the autopilot, think of something else while you smile and nod automatically.
You’re killing time, not making love
That’s lazy. And the other soul sees the same old tired you. How boring! The moment is now a chore and not a delight.
The easy answer
Open your eyes, open your heart. See what’s really there. See the real person in front of you. Make a real connection.
They will notice. They will engage as well, if only to find out what comes next.
Now it’s exciting
Suddenly, you’re dancing with them, responding to each step, each movement, each glance and sigh. The conversation becomes a joy as you clear away expectation and habit.
Take it further
Smile at the bus driver. See what’s new in the town park. Look up at the sky. There’s beauty everywhere.
First published in Curated Newsletters 24 March 2024