More often than I'd like to admit, I find myself flopping in the chair in front of my computer immediately after work. I read through the day's tweets and open a million tabs. I e-mail myself links to read later and check "keep unread" on most posts that I scroll through. Often when I make dinner, I'm rushing the process and then eating in front of the computer or TV. My night or weekend ends and I wonder where the time went. Instead of enjoying those little day-to-day activities that make up my life, I sometimes find that I'm tuned out. Too often, I'm floating somewhere between what I just did and the next thing I need to do.
Instead of floating through my free time, I want to allow myself to sink into whatever it is that I'm doing. I want to grab hold of my time and be present in it. If I simply give myself permission to enjoy reading on the internet, I may set that time aside, relax into the chair in front of my computer with a warm drink, and get more out of that time. While I'm cooking, if I give myself permission to take my time, I may enjoy the scent of the ingredients, the process of learning, the combining, sauteing, and creating. If I sink into whatever activity I have in front of me, I could take the time to engage, instead of being a passive consumer.
Sinking in is taking charge of your free time, engaging with what's in front of you, and giving yourself permission to enjoy it.
These everyday activities won't necessarily look different on the outside. I still may find myself in front of the computer immediately after work and my meal-making may not change in appearance, but they will hopefully feel different.
What are you sinking into this week?
