So I decided after my counseling session today that I would add a few things to my routine. I have to be more mindful of the things I accomplish in my day while working at being more present. I decided that I would read a chapter of a book before writing my blog entry for the day. The book I decided to start reading today is “Are You Smart Enough to Work at Google?” By: William Poundstone. I am only reading a chapter per day. I can handle small goals that ultimately lead you to reaching bigger goals. Today the first chapter tells the origin of the name, Google. I had actually heard of the word ‘googol’ before as it is used in the mathematical sense. Oddly enough I heard this from one of my students, that had been instructed by his parent to ask me if I knew what it was. I said, “the website?” He confidently said “No, the number.” I said, “nope, never heard of it.” I had a more in depth conversation about this from said parent during a parent/teacher conference. I am sure he meant to make me look stupid with this new information, but I just wanted him to talk about his student and leave, so I could continue with the other 40 conferences we needed to conduct. Well, he did eventually leave.
The reason I personally chose to add reading to my routine today after counseling, was my intention to be more mindful. I never actually thought about the concept of being mindful. I so often run on auto-pilot. The more mindful I am of myself, my surroundings, and the people in my life the more I should see an improvement in my mental health, my over-all physical health and my financial health. It seems like everyone is mindful, right? Stop what you are doing, look around you, what do you notice?
I sat down intent on writing my daily blog and noticed that just to the right of the bar in our kitchen a stack of neat books. Books that I have had either given to me or that I have collected from thrift stores with every intention on reading. I wasn’t being mindful of my urges when I purchased so many books, as when I purchased these books I didn’t really have time to read them. I mean I might have been able to, but I would have had to sacrifice something else in my life at that time. I need to be more mindful of my spending and why I am making purchases. What purpose does that item fulfill.
What gives you joy? What brings you peace? I have found that I am peaceful outside, more than I am when I am inside. That I am joyful over a hot cup of coffee (no cream or sugar necessary.) I am also a person that enjoys spontaneous adventure, or to find time to gain more knowledge. What is one way to do both of those things without breaking the bank… Reading. I love to read. I always have. It needs to be included in my daily routine. I love it just as much as writing.
Living life being mindful sounds easy. Once you consider the time it takes to appreciate all that is around you, it may not seem so easy anymore. I will try to be more mindful of my activities, my urges and those people with whom I share life with today and from now on.
The first chapter of the book was great. I am so glad that I read it today. I even imagined I could go to an interview with Google. The work environment sounds incredible. The first interesting thing that I found while reading is a quote from Nikolay Gogol. He describes in his story “The Overcoat” the difference between those that fix and those that create. “The abyss that separates tailors who only put in linings and do repairs from those who sew new things.” It is a different world for those that create from their imagination (creative mind – creators) and those that only rely on what they have been taught (academic mind- scholars). I love what Gogol says and also the quote from Einstein. Creativity can often be overlooked. I want to be mindful of my creativity.
Have a mindful day, inspect your surroundings. How does it smell, sound, and feel?
The World in Black and White 