I walked a mile today. Or so the reckoning part of my brain tells me.
As I walked, I felt the enoughness trap closing in. Is a mile enough for the dogs? Is it enough for my health? Is my pace enough to be productive? Should I take the younger dog another mile, because that wasn’t enough for him?
To ask if something is enough is to invite a spreadsheet into the forest.
It is to apply math to cool, crisp air.
It is to walk in a straight line toward a goal.
The reckless countermove is to replace calculation with awareness.
Instead of What do I have that is wonderful or beautiful in my life? (which implies an inventory), try:
What beauty is unfolding right now?
This orients you towards the sublime of the present.
Instead of How can I be more present? (which implies you don’t have enough presence, try:
What is the texture of this moment?
This removes the more/less metric and replaces it with contemplation.
Instead of What brings me joy? (which is another way of evaluating your success in life) try:
How can I dance to the music of my life?
A dance is a luxury. It isn’t meant to get you anywhere other than this moment now.
Today, I’m noticing how often I default to counting and comparing. Today, I seek the luxury of the uncounted. I am trading “I have enough” for “I am here” and “I am becoming.”