Twenty-four hours from airport to airport – Calgary, Canada to Sydney, Australia.
I love it – not just the arriving, but the journey itself.
A short and familiar hop across the Rockies to Vancouver with 4 hour connection could be irritating, and I watched many passengers pacing, checking and rechecking the Departure Board. We set our timer and then wandered the terminal – appreciating the stunning native art, the lovely seafood restaurant and a quiet gate where we could stretch out.
And then it is time! Others call it the “long haul” across the Pacific, I refer to it as leaping the equator and the International Time Zone in a state of near suspended animation, away from distractions and demands.
Others find it boring and monotonous – I welcome the opportunity to just be.
The daily expectations and “should, must, have tos” melt away to respecting others and delighting in the self-indulgence of reading, listening to music, watching a movie, sleeping, napping and quiet contemplation – the only requirement being all from the seatbelt of 20A. It becomes my sanctuary, there are few interruptions and I already know my answers to beef or chicken, cold or hot breakfast, and red or white.
I read a wonderful novel cover to cover, slept for more than 9 of the 16.5 hours and played Suduko and Crib to my heart’s desire.
I forgive myself for believing I need to focus on the constraints of what I can’t do.
I give myself permission to be present to what supports me.
I can be irritated by constraints and dragged down by demands or I can be nurtured by what is supportive. I choose.
I am free to be present to what supports me and focus my attention there.
I know how to live this way – I practiced it on the flight here.
I am BEcoming more present to what supports me in my life
I am grateful for my conscious perspective – it creates more ease and enjoyment daily.
You may wonder… “What about the jet-lag?”
I keep expectations and demands at bay, sleep when I am tired, eat when I am hungry and make sure to move my body.
The trip and the jet-lag are real. So is my decision of how to perceive what is.
It is a great way to live.
Namaste,