Completing the past; mindful of the present; anticipating the future
My last blog is dated Feb. 25, 2020. I write this on October 7, 2020 – 225 days. What took me so long? Not exactly good manners, says one who’s written a book on manners. I have reasons and no excuse.
My reasons are two-fold: I am not a well-trained blogger. I learned in a webinar today from Jane Friedman (an outstanding resource for writers) that I probably should be blogging at least weekly if not daily. Yikes! Second, and most importantly, I became paralyzed by the events that shook the world last winter. I didn’t know what to write about, nor how to do so. By “events” I mean “COVID”, racial animus, and politics in the United States, three cancers that seem to have unravelled the fabric of our society. Regrettably, the situations have only gotten worse. So that was the past. It was what it was.
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I use “mindful” deliberately because I have started a mindfulness meditation practice. Been at it consistently now for a few weeks. I am amazed at what floats through my brain when I just sit there. It feels like a dream sometime. In my dreams, I recognize people, places or sensations, but when I wake up I am puzzled about why THAT person or THAT place in my dream. The mystery of the mind.
Probably the biggest benefit so far is learning to not concern myself with what others think if they see me meditate. (I usually sit in front of my house). I am more tranquil with noises around me. I think COVID, racism, and the politics have inspired me to appreciate each day more and not take for granted the family and friends I love and who love me.
Inspired by BJ Fogg’s book, Tiny Habits, the first thing I do when I get out of bed is the “Maui Habit”: “It is going to be a great day!” It’s a wonderful way to set the stage for the day. I even appreciate Fogg’s caveat that some mornings you wake up feeling crappy, anxious about the day, or otherwise not at all inspired to declare the Maui Habit because it feels phony. His suggestion? Declare it anyway with the following addition: “It is going to be a great day, somehow.”
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Looking forward, I am excited about three major events: The November election; the possibility of returning to work at NASA; the release of my book.
I admit that I am more anxious than excited about the election. This election feels consequential in profound ways. Unless you have been asleep the past four years, come from a different planet, or are seriously way too addicted to video games, then you know about which I speak. Today, I feel confident that the American people will affirm right over wrong and steer the nation back to a semblance of normalcy.
For what seems like an eternity, I have been a part of a team that bid on a significant contract at NASA. Should our team win, I will be returning to NASA to work, this time as a contractor. We should know by December. I miss NASA and I miss the people. It’s a great Agency.
The release of “Manners will take you where brains and money won’t: Wisdom from Momma and 35 years at NASA” is scheduled for late January. I am so excited that “my baby” will finally be born. It has been a labor of love. So many have supported me in this endeavor for which I am grateful. I wrote a not-so-short summary of Manners in my Sept. 2019 blog.