This is All You Really Have

I have been a runner for years. For a long time, I approached running solely as a form of exercise like most people. I would put in the miles, but my mind would be elsewhere – thinking about work or other issues in my life. Then something changed.

It was around the time my late wife Shahinool was in her final battle with cancer. I would still get out for a run when I could, but was much more determined to get the most from each moment. Instead of just zoning out, I became intensely aware of everything.

I started noticing the vastness of the sky above me, the variety of trees that I had passed countless times before but never seemed to notice. I even noticed the rhythm of my breathing and the sound of my footsteps; it was like I was really seeing the world around me for the first time. From that time on, my runs took on a new dimension. I was nourishing not only my body, but my mind and my soul as well.

Call it being in the moment, call it mindfulness; this is a state of being we all seem to want but we often forget to put the effort into really achieving it. It's not until we are forced to face our mortality, or the mortality of a loved one, that we truly begin to understand the value of our time in a new and powerful way. Suddenly we feel an urgent need to really live each moment as it flies.

But why wait for a life crisis? Try it right now. Commit to what you're currently doing with full attention for the next hour or so. Focus yourself in a purposeful way. Force yourself to immediately banish any thoughts that dwell on past events or any worries about the future. Breathe deeply. Notice things.

I think we know when we are in the presence of someone who does this. Have you ever had a conversation with someone who noticeably gave you their complete attention and made you feel like you were the only thing of importance to them at that moment? That can be an extraordinary experience, especially since most people are constantly distracted by their phones during a conversation these days. You sense the fullness of their presence and it draws you in.

This is something you should be doing with each patient, your team members and anyone else who you are devoting time to at any moment. Put your mind where your body is and really listen and observe.

You'll find that you notice things about them, and your interactions will become deeper and more meaningful. It isn't difficult to do, but it does take practice because our minds are easily pulled away into the past and future. But the now is all you really have; that's where life is happening. Filter out the noise that keeps you from being fully aware, and you will start to live that life more fully.