Earlier today I heard an interview with Salma Hayek, the actor and film producer. Talking about the movie “Bliss” which she appears in, and reflecting on the time we are living through, she used these words “relative, sharp, present.” Her words struck a chord in me.
She explained her belief that we now need to reinvent ourselves and be open to a new consciousness. Hayek added that at the start of any change or shift, things are “messy,” implying we are in such a moment. Through awareness one can be sharp, present and act appropriately, or act relative to the moment. She also explained that she is an optimist, because there is no other, real choice. One’s outlook or attitude is a choice. I believe that she is saying that only with an optimistic perspective can possibilities appear.
Lately I have been reflecting on how long our societal lockdown has been and how it will continue into the future. Spending so much time alone, separated from almost everyone else, is getting harder. At times I feel as if I am getting rusty, moldy, out of it. (Acknowledged, if that is the worst that could happen to me, I’m fortunate.) An example of my rustiness, when I do get the chance to (safely) talk with someone, I discover I feel almost giddy, and can’t stop talking!
How to become relative, sharp and present? In other words, how to embrace the moment we are in, prepared for anything? I realize I have one habit that helps me to achieve this. I grew up in a rural area on a farm and spent much of my time outdoors, regardless of the season. Now, I know how restorative time spent in the natural world can be. Every day, my dog and I go out for as long as we can, depending on that day’s demands.
And I practice this exercise while out. I open my awareness through my senses. Visually, what am I seeing? How many colors do I see? (By the way, the sky isn’t just blue, and snow isn’t simply ‘white’, not if you really look.) Audio, what do I hear? How many sounds, how close or far away? Sensual, what do I feel? How warm, how cold? Is there any breeze or wind? And olfactory, what scents can I smell? Earth, flowers, trees? Other? (A while ago I completely lost my sense of smell because of a bout with H1N1. It took several years before my sense of smell returned. Now I try to make the most of it!)
The benefits of this exercise, which only takes a couple minutes, are several. My repeating loop of thoughts is interrupted. I am refreshed and relaxed by taking in the natural world. My perspective has effortlessly enlarged. When I reenter my home office, I am in a more open, relaxed state of mind.
The exercise I described is not possible or suitable for everyone. If it is helpful or inspiring, great. Perhaps you have your own ways to ground, refresh and focus yourself and this reminds you to use them! May we all be sharp, present, and relative, ready for the future that is coming.