Key words and phrases:
Perceive: regard in a particular way, understand in one’s own way
Internalize: to hold something in one’s mind and try to understand and learn from it
Exuberance: excitement, energy
Bustle: move in an energetic way
Dig in: a casual expression that means to eat with enthusiasm
Hello friends.
I hope that you were able to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Don’t you think that this year’s blossoms stayed on the trees longer than other years? I am not sure if it is actually a fact, or just how my mind perceived this season because of making an extra effort to take in all the good and absorb it.
I had a special experience in March that I would like to share with you. It came unexpectedly and brought together two unrelated events, cherry blossoms and baseball. I was walking through a park just before noon on the day of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) final. I observed a lot of people enoying lunch under the cherry blossoms and kids running around while soaking up the warmth of the spring sunshine. Upon closer observation, I noticed that people were watching the last minutes of the game on computers and handheld devices. It was fun to watch the people cheer when Shohei Otani threw the last pitch of the tournament allowing Japan to claim its third championship in the event’s history. Congratulations Japan!
It was a moment that I will remember forever. Not only because it was unique, but also because I made sure that I took some time to internalize it and soak up all that I was seeing and feeling in that moment. I’m not a huge baseball fan, but it was nice to see Japanese people celebrating. Not in a load roar, but with a quiet and humble exuberance that one would expect in Japan. All of this happened on a warm spring day under the cherry blossoms.
It is so important for all of us to take a moment and internalize the good things that happen in life, and they do happen every day. We need to take a break from our busy lives and the bustle of the city and appreciate the goodness that can be found in many moments of each and every day. Perhaps Rick Hansen expresses it best in the book Buddha’s Brain, “Whatever positive facts you find, bring a mindful awareness to them—open up to them and let them affect you. It’s like sitting down at a banquet: don’t just look at it—dig in!” In other words, don’t be a passive observer of life, life is more exciting when we take an active role. In this case, take the positives in life and allow them to infect you as often as possible.
Wishing you health and happiness always.
Mark Tofflemire
Tailor Made Inc.