Mindfulness

Last Monday was an interesting day!  Miri and I had a long night, so we slept in.  I was busy all morning trying to get us ready for the afternoon (and the rest of the week).  We met up with some friends and went to The Wiggles concert with tickets that I won from Atlanta Parent magazine (free magazine, free tickets, what's not to like?).  Although Miriam was a bit freaked out at first (because it was so loud when people were cheering) she finally got into it by the end. (Pictures coming as soon as I load them)

After that we had to pick up our car - we had carpooled - and head straight to the airport to pick up Daddy who come home after 2 months in Africa.  Woo hoo!  We had to wait at the airport a LONG time, but it was great to be together again!  This post isn't actually about that....

On our way out of the airport, a police officer was directing traffic (and pedestrians).  We got to the sidewalk right as the walkers were being stopped and the cars were being directed through.  One woman, with a cartfull of luggage kept asking the people next to me to move.  I don't know where she thought she was going though, since none of us could cross.  THEN, after the police man asked us all to back up a little bit, because he was getting a car to back up, a man on his cell phone pushed his way through EVERYONE and starts walking across the street.  BEHIND the car that is backing up.  Not even noticing what the police officer is doing.  Not hearing the 10 people telling (and eventually yelling) at him to stop and look out!  Until the police officer is in his face, with a whistle telling him to get back.

So I've been thinking about it ever since.  We're so "connected" all the time that we often don't have a clue what is going on around us.  Right in front of us.  When it could be dangerous.  Or just worth watching.  Although being on the phone in the car is already a big no-no (I don't really want my future teenage driver thinking that is okay) I've been thinking about the other times that I could unplug myself from my cell phone.  While browsing in a store.  While taking a walk through the neighborhood.  Sometimes there has been a place for those things.  Maybe I need a friend that is far away on my walk.  But what am I missing because I'm focused on what we are talking about?

What am I going to miss because I am not paying attention? (Not just on my cell phone) Maybe it's time for me to be more mindful.  Present in the moment I am living in.