Young World – March 2013
“It’s A Mad, Mad, March”
It is truly amazing how the young (and not-so-young) mind is driven by the “next
event”. Even though we are only midway through the Month of March, young people all
across the country are looking forward to Spring Break. Teachers are preparing for the
next test. Parents are pensively awaiting the next set of report cards. And, practically
the whole world is already making plans for the weekend ahead.
While the world is flashing forward, who is concentrating on this present
moment? What will it take for our young minds to learn that the secret to improving
your future is maximizing your present (and presence)? How much can be gained by
really investing yourself in whatever is going on – right now? Imagine that – maximum
attention to your relationships, friendships, parents, siblings, job, classes, classwork –
you name it.
How will total immersion in the right now change your understanding or increase
your knowledge? So much can be gained by being attentive to all that is occurring
around you right now. Give your mind to the moment and see what the moment will
give to your mind. All that is gained today will only be multiplied by what is available
to be gained tomorrow. Consider this; you probably started to read this article thinking
about what you plan to do next or maybe even what you will do tomorrow. If that
is correct, more than likely, you don’t even remember the title of this article. Quite
possibly, there are several segments of today that you have to work hard to remember;
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon.
We want so much for the next “thing” to be GREAT. We want it to the point
we spend so much time thinking about the next thing, that we completely lose sight of
the present thing. What has your mind marching forward to the point of dismissing
present opportunities in pursuit of future possibilities? I truly look forward to what
my future holds, but I absolutely love what my right now presents. Immersing yourself
in current activities engages your mind, eyes and ears (sometimes even your hands &
feet). Even the youngest among us know that the best way to learn a skill or remember
a tidbit is to read it, hear it, see it demonstrated AND perform the task (repetitiously as
necessary).
Why not give it a try?!? Starting with this moment, commit to being present and
engaged in the moment. Give it a “trial run”. For the next 10 days, focus your energy
and your mind on whatever the activity you are involved in. However, before you begin
your 10 Day Commitment, take a moment to look around you. In what condition are
your relationships, grades and other activities? To say that you will be committed for
the next 10 days means that you can’t sit in Homeroom, waiting to see your friends in
3rd period. The morning or afternoon announcements will not be a time to catch up on
your sleep or finish your homework. Being committed to the present moment for the
next 10 days means; you will actually LISTEN and THINK during that conversation with
your mom/dad/teacher/brother/sister/girlfriend/boyfriend (or spouse/supervisor/
co-worker for you parents reading this article). When your 10 Day Commitment
is complete, take a moment to look around you. Now, in what condition are your
relationships, grades and other activities?
I would be extremely surprised if the things around you have not gotten better
than they were before. Engaging yourself in the present moment has an indescribable
effect. Not only will you begin to realize things that you may never have noticed before,
there will seem to be a greater ease with which tasks are accomplished. And, the
March Madness will be left on the basketball court. The Mad March to wherever may
possibly even become an enjoyable journey to your destination. Whether you commit
to being present for 1 day, 10 days or the next 6 months is all entirely your option. Life
is always about options and choices. Will you choose to miss out on the present looking
ahead to tomorrow? I remember being 6 years old, wanting so badly to be 9 like my
older brother. I remember attending summer birthday parties wishing my December
birthday would hurry up and come. I remember starting my freshman year of college so
intently focused on my college graduation. All of those days are long, long gone. Now,
I remember waking up this morning, wishing I could go back and live yesterday all over
again – not because of regret, but because I enjoyed it so much. Be Young! Have Fun!
Columnist Chris Dinkins is an educator and native South Carolinian. His viewpoint is based on personal, classroom and volunteer experiences. Send questions and comments about youth related issues to him at youngworld.scarolina@gmail.com.
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