Treat #94
: Perfect Timing Rules
Perfect timing is plentiful and constant when we don't try to stop it.
The blessing for me in this slow economy is in the time I have to observe my own attraction to the rush, to the stimulation provided by activity and what seems like high effectiveness. Less activity lets me see the truth that, as I move in tune with myself without rushing, things fall into place in perfect order.
The blessing for me in this slow economy is in the time I have to observe my own attraction to the rush, to the stimulation provided by activity and what seems like high effectiveness. Less activity lets me see the truth that, as I move in tune with myself without rushing, things fall into place in perfect order.
I know the place inside of me that likes to orchestrate (a nice word for control) and often I am quite effective...but at what price? I am having fun watching and experiencing the results of trying less and being more.
This week I had the best time with my good friend who is going through chemo-therapy treatments. We had one of those wonderful magical experiences that started out looking quite the opposite. As we were going out the door to drive to chemo, the doctor's office called to reschedule a scan that was set up for the following week. We had carefully scheduled and orchestrated the timing of that scan to coincide with a day we packed full with a doctor's appointment, two scans and chemo in order to "save" time.
As I heard the alternative days being offered on the other end of the phone, I heard the stress in my friend's voice knowing it meant more time off from work for her, along with another half day of travel-time to have the scan. So I listened and I let go of trying to figure it all out. I then quite spontaneously shouted upstairs to her... "ask them if can we do it today after chemo." Generally having that kind of flexibility is unheard of in the world of tightly scheduled scans. Yet suddenly it was a YES and we were off on our 40-minute drive north. When we arrived we found out that the original two chemo treatments for the day were now only one which meant we could do the scan even earlier. The assistant said: "oh I doubt they can take you earlier" but I begged her to ask. And sure enough they said to come over as soon as the treatment was over.
These chemo days can be a challenge especially after 4 four months of weekly trips, so we have treated them as fun outings with a friend, scheduling in some kind of play. Fun is essential when going through chemo. We have nicknamed these days: chemo and movie, or, chemo and a nice meal.
The three previous week's chemo visits did not allow time for a fun treat and my friend was at her limit. As we both realized that we would now be finished "early" that day, I saw this twinkle in her eye and she asked: what if there is a movie in Santa Barbara we could see? I headed straight for the front desk and asked to use the internet but the assistant volunteered to look it up. Not only was there a movie we both wanted to see but it was the one movie that is not playing in our area. We made it to the movie (thanks to the radiologist) plus we had another treat as we walked past the Nordstrom's store on the way to the car...my friend bought slippers that would have required a separate trip on a different day...all this took place within ten minutes.
The day was magical as it all flowed effortlessly and the joy that was present was so welcomed. We both took notice that our initial reaction when the lab called to change the scan was contraction.
We decided our lesson for the day was to welcome all changes in schedules as opportunities for more fun and that perfect timing is not something we orchestrate, it just is.
Martha Invitations
1.When you feel yourself wanting to orchestrate something, breathe and step back. See if you can get out of the way to allow what might be even more perfect.
2.When someone calls to reschedule, be grateful and look for the surprise.
3.Pushing to create something might close off an even more creative approach. Take a break and come back to it and see if something else shows up to act on.
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