Yesterday was such a beautiful spring day that I changed my plans and went for a twenty-minute walk in Uptown Minneapolis. As I was soaking in the experience, it occurred to me that some day I would no longer be able to perform the simple act of walking down a sidewalk on a lovely spring day. When that day comes, whether it is forty-two years from now or the day after tomorrow, I would give everything I own to be able to do what I’m doing at this very moment.
That realization heightened my enjoyment and appreciation of my walk, of my life, and of the present moment. It calmed and centered me, and reminded me that all we ever have is the here and now; and that the more we learn to appreciate whatever is in front of us, the happier and more fulfilled we will be.
This wonderful quote says it all:
Look at everything as though you are seeing it for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory.
Betty Smith
ABOUT PHIL BOLSTA
Phil is the author of Sixty Seconds: One Moment Changes Everything, a collection of 45 inspiring, life-changing stories from prominent people he interviewed, including Joan Borysenko, Deepak Chopra, geneticist Dr. Francis Collins, acclaimed sportswriter Frank Deford, Dr. Larry Dossey, Wayne Dyer, Dan Millman, Caroline Myss, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, Dr. Bernie Siegel, James Van Praagh, singer Billy Vera, Doreen Virtue, Neale Donald Walsch, and bassist Victor Wooten.
Here is a three-minute video that introduces you to Phil and his book. Click here to buy Sixty Seconds. Click here to ask Phil to add you to his e-mail list for updates on his blog and books.
Reading this book is like spending a few minutes face to face with each of the contributors and listening to their personal stories. Click here to read unsolicited testimonials from readers. Learn more by visiting the official Sixty Seconds website.
Sixty Seconds was one of three finalists in the General Interest/How-To category at the 12th annual Visionary Awards presented by COVR (Coalition of Visionary Resources) in Denver on June 27, 2009.
Tags: appreciation, the present moment
March 31, 2010 at 10:23 PM
Beautiful reminder on this beautiful spring day. Thank you!
April 1, 2010 at 7:42 AM
You’re quite welcome, Suza!
April 1, 2010 at 10:40 PM
that’s an interestingly profound quotation, to view things either for the first or last time – initially each view seemingly contrasts against the other, but in the end, each elicits the same basic responses of wonder and thankfulness.
this seems to suggest that we should view things in a time-less manner, which is the essence of your other post: http://bolstablog.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/timeless/#comments
and like Suza said, thanks for this reminder to always look out for and soak in the beauty around us.
April 2, 2010 at 6:32 AM
I completely agree, ArrVee. Perpetual gratitude and wonder is a nice place to live. And when you are fully present, you are indeed living timelessly.