There's a Chinese saying which goes: When someone is right in front of you, you don't appreciate him/her as much as when that person is not right beside you.
I have this habit where when I'm around people, very often my mind is drifted to other things; and my actions show - through playing with my mobile phone, mental planning of other things, and sometimes worrying too about unnecessary stuff.
I never thought this issue was really an issue despite people telling me that.. till today when I was driving my grandma to her friend's place. In my mind, I kept thinking of my day's plans, of how I have to decide on a job soon, and of a certain someone which I am trying hard not to think of. Basically, doing everything BUT engaging with the person right beside me.
And I don't feel right. It's not right at all. So I snapped out of that zone and started focusing on my grandma. Instead of just asking her usual Q's like what time and how she is going back, I turned the attention to that little pink bag she clutches so tightly on her lap.
I asked what was inside that bag, why isn't she carrying her normal handbag. She replied saying she has her medicine inside, all packed up. I teased her, 'You have your toothbrush and all too inside so you can prepare to stay over in case your mahjong session prolongs all night??'
She's even better than me in this teasing business!
'Yeah, I have my pyjamas all kept neatly in my friend's place too.'
Wah. Then we both just laughed. It was a nice feeling :)
Note to self: To truly appreciate the ones present around me, to seize and maximise the moment. And not just be there physically, and engage on the 'surface' level. Mom's favourite motto used to be carpe diem, now she finds 'The Power of Now' - Eckhart Tolle more meaningful. Hmm, I indeed have a lot to improve on.
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