Time

I have accidentally discovered an obsession I have that has effected my life in many different ways-the awareness of time. I have always worn a watch but for some reason, one day this summer I forgot to put it on after my shower. It has been the greatest gift I have ever given myself. I have loved just being present to whatever it is I'm doing. It has changed my whole perception of the world. It really doesn't matter what time it is while I am shopping or hiking or even just pulling weeds. I discovered that I use a watch to not only tell me what time it is right now but also to plan out what I will do next. "It is 11:20, I will keep doing this for another 20 minutes and then I will do the next thing on my mental list." As a result I was not involved in my life - just a time keeper for it. Up until this morning I also kept a daily calendar in the window that I would change every morning. This was more of the same obsession. Why do I want to start my morning with "What day is it?" instead of enjoying the first sights that the day has to offer. I am learning more every day about what it means to stay in the moment. I am present to whatever I am involved with. I now care more about the events of my life because I am choosing how much time I spend on them. If I don't enjoy them I don't do them, but if I do I spent the amount of time I desire . My social relationships are becoming stronger (or weaker as the case may be). I no longer live my live in 30 minute increments. Now, part of this obsession may come from teaching young children. They CAN'T do anything for more than 30 minutes at a time. My plan is to return to school tomorrow without a watch. There are clocks and bells and whistles throughout the day so I am quite sure I will be kept aware of the time when I need to be! And who knows... it may carry over into my teaching. Do I really need to spend 30 minutes a day on spelling? If we're ready to move on, why fill those precious minutes with anything but my best teaching?