In a Moment #84
Much of my professional life has been about looking toward the future. As a project manager, I was responsible for mapping plans to get to project delivery. I always needed to be one step ahead, anticipating the next meeting, the next review, the next project handoff. At times, I would feel like I was living in the future, my head full of dates 6 months out.
And the thing is, I know many of us operate in this way, even if it's not our profession. We're looking ahead, we're anticipating what's next. It's human nature. We're wired to seek progress. We dream big dreams and work hard to pursue them. The challenge with living this in this way is that we can often miss the moments when we achieve the goals we put forth.
In my current role, I continue to plan and look ahead, but I also have the opportunity to be in the present more intentionally. Several times a week, I lead a 15-minute meditation for the agency. It's a drop-in series where I guide a practice based on what people are looking for to support them in their day.
A few weeks ago, I was talking with a colleague during one of these sessions. He had a personal project he had been working on and crossed a big milestone. He was sharing his excitement for what he had built and in the same breath, he jumped ahead to all the work that still lay ahead. I got to witness in real time what so many of us can do.
Rather than pausing in a moment of accomplishment, we're already looking ahead. Overwhelmed by what's coming next, we miss what we've created. The moment of pausing in the accomplishment isn’t simply to celebrate what was achieved. I believe it can be a way to strengthen us for those next periods of work and challenge. The feeling of pride and excitement can serve as a sort of nourishment. It’s what fortifies us as we continue to press on, but it’s important we acknowledge these moments of achievement to experience this sense of fortification.
And so today I share a practice inspired by this conversation. It’s a short meditation practice centered around a recent acheivement. Before you start, give yourself time to set up for this practice. You might choose to take a few deeper breaths or explore a little movement. And find a posture that feels supportive for you. It could be nice to even lay down while doing this practice. If you do try it, I’d love to hear about your experience.
✌🏻+💗