Busy, Busy, Busy

I am overwhelmed with "To Do" lists. A week ago I had to switch to making "Done" lists, just to get some sleep. Looking at a list of over 100 things needing to be done to prepare for the weekend retreat I am organizing for Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, I just couldn't stop feeling like I couldn't possibly manage it all. Given that I also have a bookreading coming up the very next week and tons of work to do related to my book and my healing work, it was just too much. On top of that, since I am hosting the Rinpoche and his translator in addition to organizing the event, that creates a whole other layer of work that needs to get done, and I won't be able to do as much organizational work once they arrive this Tuesday, because I will be taking care of them. Can you imagine why I might be feeling my bliss just a bit stretched?

Thankfully one afternoon I was inspired to set aside my "To Do" lists and create my first "Done" list. I wrote down each thing I had accomplished that day, such as writing and sending out a newsletter, signing up for Amazon's "Search Inside This Book" program, signing up 3 additional volunteers for key roles for the retreat, etc. I discovered that I had actually accomplished about 20 significant tasks that day!

It felt amazingly good to see how much I was getting done in a day. My mood instantly shifted from overwhelm to a sense of mastery and confidence. 100 things to do when faced as "100 things to do" would overwhelm anyone. But 5 days worth of work to do when you have 2 weeks to get it done, well now that's a plan.

Oh, I tried non-attachment. I tried surrendering it all up to the all-pervasive guru and resting assured everything would come out just fine. That works great in 20 minute increments. Unfortunately the vast majority of the time I was just plain stressing out. And how many meditation sessions can a person do in a day? I was only at peace while meditating.

So here is today's offering to you. The greatest peace of mind comes in being present, being right here right now. Whatever it takes to get you to a point where you can be present despite the stresses of your life incessantly pulling you towards the future, that is the highest practice for you right then. For example, meditation is not necessarily more spiritual than basic organizational tactics. It depends on what is needed in the situation.

That said, I would caution against the use of such "tools" as alcohol or drugs to achieve the state of presence I'm referring to. They actually create an illusion of presence, while undermining your ability to get the work done that will gradually create a genuine sense of ease. You don't have to escape. You can deal, if you frame the situation skillfully in your mind. I suggest, one "done" at a time.