According to Benjamin Wiker and Johnathan Witt, authors of A Meaningful World, “…nature is a work of genius, like a Shakespearian play is a work of genius — both are rich, deep, and complex, full of meaning at every level.”
Do you find yourself wanting for more meaningful experiences?
Sometimes the best way to get what you’re craving is to give it first. Don’t wait for someone else to make the first move or for a situation to spontaneously occur. Be liberal with, and unrestrained in, whatever you share. Create your own meaningful moments, and your life will be all the richer for it. Here are some ideas as to what you can do:
1. Pay attention to someone else’s kid
How many times have you tried to hold an adult conversation, but there’s a child piping up in the background, asking for someone to notice him or her? Before you write this kid off as being unruly, rude or an attention-hog… realize how frequently children are brushed off in today’s chaotic world.
Imagine how good it would feel if you were that little boy or girl, to have a grown-up notice and praise your fine work, spend a half-hour tossing a ball around with you, or simply show interest in what happened to you today. It doesn’t have to be your own child - any kid would be pleased and proud to have the attention and approval of an adult who cares.
2. Listen instead of talk
Seems like we’re forever trying to get our point across, be heard, win the argument, and have the last word. But just remember that as often as you wish someone would listen to what you have to say… others want just as much to have the floor and be appreciated.
The next occasion you have to jump in with a story, give a lecture, or reveal The Answer… just hold back for a bit longer. Give that one small moment to someone else. You might be delighted to find that they have something useful to teach you. It’s when we finally open our minds to other’s interpretations of life and the world, that we can fully engage in rich and meaningful exchanges.
3. Ask the advice of an elderly person - and really pay attention to what they say
In America, we shelve old people away in nursing homes, and in the closets of our memories - seeing aging and ailing parents and grandparents as a burden instead of as the valued members of society that they really are. In Asian countries however, older people are treated with immense respect and dignity. They are honored for their life’s experiences and looked up to for their wisdom.
The pace of the world has sped up considerably in recent decades, and that would make it seem as though older generations are falling “behind the times” and out of touch. But the truth is that many seniors are finding their way around technology and living active lives. As they say, history repeats itself and we can surely learn from what our elders have to share. Why not give an older person the attention and respect they deserve today?
4. Wish the cashier a nice day first
One thing I hear often enough - and I can’t disagree with - is that the world is becoming less courteous, more hurried, and sometimes even downright rude. Luckily, we can all can do our part to change things. Courtesy and consideration for others begins with our own behavior. There’s no rule that says we must wait for the cashier to say “Have a good day.”
If you’re standing on line at the grocery store, or waiting for your burger at the nearest fast food place, why not ask the person who is waiting on you how their day is going? You may receive a blank look at first - people in customer service jobs aren’t used to having the attention focused on them. In my own life, I try to remember that “I am not the only one who might be stressed at work, or feeling my back ache, or worrying about something that’s going on at home. Other people have lives and problems just like I do.” Take a moment and give that clerk a smile - look into his or eyes and wish him or her a wonderful day - and mean it!
5. Drive the speed limit
In our own small way, each of us contributes to the harried and calamitous state of the world - including the roads we drive. Next time you arrive home with your teeth clenched and your muscles taut from putting up with aggression on the highways… ask yourself honestly if you contributed to the situation in any way. How closely behind did you follow the driver in front of you? Did you leave someone else sufficient room to get over when they were about to miss their exit?
I find that I’m much less agitated when I walk in the door, if I resign myself to the fact that there a lot of other people on the road. Maybe we can all cut down on the incidents of road rage - and more importantly, the number of accidents - if we observe the speed limit. Be mindful of your fellow drivers. Go with the flow of traffic. And just remember that the goal is not to win a race, but to arrive at your destination safely.
6. Walk someone else’s dog
You stop in every now and then for a visit with your friends, right? Why not make today the day you spend 20 quality minutes with your friend’s dog? If you have ever had a dog of your own, you know what a challenge it can be to make time for him on those busy days. I think it’d be a great thing if we all started taking responsibility for not just our own pets, but for our friends’ animals as well.
Think of how grateful that sweet boy will be to have you talking to him, rumpling his fur, and taking him out for a little adventure where he can sniff, roll, run and explore to his doggy heart’s delight? It’s just a small thing you can do to add meaning to this occasion - and it might even be the most fun you have all day.
7. Be generous with your space
Humans are funny about the spaces they occupy. We spend a lot of time waiting to be next, and we resent it when others cut ahead of us because we feel like we put in our time and now it’s their turn. Having a “me first” attitude might keep you on schedule, but then again it might not. And being protective of our personal area certainly doesn’t do much other than put others off.
If you’re not pressed for time today, why not look around and see if you can offer your spot in line, or your seat on the bus, to someone who can use it more? Maybe it’s a frazzled pregnant woman at the DMV. Or how about that old couple who just stepped in behind you at the bank? You’d be surprised how such a small act of kindness can make a big difference to others - and being offered that one simple smile of gratitude can lift your mood for the rest of the day.
8. If you pray, instead of asking God for more, thank him for what you already have
People who pray tend to do it more often when situations in their lives cry out for it. Maybe they’re feeling unhappy, or they’ve experienced a loss, or they’re deeply worried about something. Prayer offers us comfort, keep our faith strong, and gives us hope for the future. But why limit prayer to asking and wishing?
The next time you have a conversation with God, remember to thank him for what you already have. Do it not because you’re trying to stay in the good graces of whomever you pray to - but because showing gratitude adds another dimension to your daily life. Sometimes we’re so busy dwelling in the negatives that we forget about all the wonderful things we’ve been blessed with. Remembering all the good things will help you keep a healthy perspective. And that will give you the strength to cope when you need it most.
9. Be a mentor - for free
Another easy way to help your heart feel good is to offer your professional counsel - and do it free of charge. Many people today are launching businesses, working as internet-based consultants, and taking the alternate path to success - whatever that may mean to them personally. Making a go of it on your own can be incredibly rewarding, but there is a whole new set of rules to learn before you can get there.
If you are in a position to offer guidance, why not help someone who can use your expert counsel? Sure, it feels great to get paid for your talent and know-how. But it feels even better when you can donate some of that talent and know-how for free.
10. Experience nature with all five of your senses - and maybe even your sixth sense, too
We live in an electronic, virtual reality where most everything you might want to experience is readily available by computer. And yet, no technology in the world can replace the joy that comes from communing with nature.
Next time you’re feeling physically stressed and mentally taxed, just go out and be one with the earth and sky. Put on your hiking shoes and venture down a sunlit path into the woods. Take a walk beside a babbling brook or trek through an open meadow. Bring your partner, your pet or your child if you have one. Don’t worry about making small talk - this is a time for silent communication with nature. Open your ears. What do you hear? Open your eyes. What do you see? Inhale the intoxicating scents of freshly cut grass or moist, cool earth after a rain. Consider the inter-connectedness of everything in our universe. Recognize that science is indeed a miraculous work of art.
If you want to be really happy in everything you do, stop holding back. Live your life as I’ve learned to: alive, awake, aware, and in awe.
This article was written by David B. Bohl - Husband, Father, Friend, Lifestyle Coach, Author, Entrepreneur, and creator of Slow Down FAST. For more info visit his blog at Slow Down Fast blog.
Images by KM Photography, Law Keven and Aussiegal.
译文:
你能做的十件让今天变得更有意义的事情
本杰明.维克和乔纳森亚威特是《一个有意义的世界》的作者，他们说：“正如莎士比亚的作品是天才的杰作一样，自然也是天才的杰作—这两者都是丰富的，有深度的，复杂的，并且每个阶段都充满意义的。
你想得到更多有意义的经验吗？
有时候，要得到你想要的东西，最好的方式就是你首先得去付出。不要等待别人先付出了我们才去付出，或者不要想着我们想要东西会自动出现。不管你和别人分享什么，都要心胸开阔些，不要斤斤计较。你要创造属于自己的有意义的时刻，这样你的生活也将因它而丰富。你能做什么呢，这里给一些建议。
1.对别人的小孩多留点神
有多少次你曾试着和大人讲话，但是他的小孩总是在后面尖叫希望得到别人的注意？在你把这个小孩说成任性，粗鲁，渴望引起注意狂等之前，要知道在今天这样纷扰的世界里小孩有多少次被忽略了？
想象如果你是一个小男孩或一个小女孩，你得到了大人的注意，你优秀的作业得到赞扬，他们会花半个小时和你玩球，或者就算是简单的关心一下今天你所发生的事，那种感觉会有多好呢？当得到大人的关心，注意和赞赏时，不只是你的小孩—任何一个孩子都会高兴和骄傲的。
2.多倾听少讲话
好像我们永远想让别人倾听我们的心声，和别人争论时我们永远想要赢，也永远希望由我们来做最后的决定。但是要记住，你有多希望别人能倾听你的心声，别人就有多希望能有多一点发言权，并得他们的发言能得到赏识。
下一个建议就是你要懂得转变话题，从你讲话跳到一个故事上，或者做一个演讲，或者展示你的答案······只要把你的话题缩短就好了。给别人多一点发言的时间。这样你会很高兴的发现他们已经教给你一些有用的东西。当我们最终打开心扉接受别人对生活和世界的看法的时候，我们完全就能与别人进行丰富而又有意义的交流活动了。
3.虚心的向年长者请教—一专心的听听他们讲些什么
在美国，人们把老人丢在养老院里，把他们遗忘在尘封的记忆里—人们把年迈体弱的父母和祖父母视为负担，而不是把他们视为对社会有真正价值的人。然而在亚洲，老人受到巨大的尊重，也活得很有尊严。人们尊重他们的生活经历以及他们的智慧。
进几十年来，世界的生活节奏明显加快了，老一辈看起来好像已经是“过时”的了，已经和我们脱离了。其实，很多老年人正在计术领域寻找他们自己的成就，他们的生活更加有活力了。正如人们所说的，历史是重述其本身的历程，那么老一辈和我们分享的就是他们的经历，我们一定能够从中学到东西的。所以。为什么不给老人多一点关注并尊重他们在今天社会的价值呢？
4.首先要祝愿出纳员有美好的一天
我经常听到这样的说法—是我很不认同的一种说法—那就是世界开始变得没有礼貌了，变得更加匆忙了，有时甚至彻彻底底变成粗鲁的了。很幸运，我们仍有机会尽我们所能去改变这些事情。礼貌对人，体谅他人，这就是我们的行动的开始。没有谁规定要先等出纳员开口对我们说：“祝你有美好的一天。”
如果你正在食品杂货店排队买东西，或者在最近的快餐店里等着你的汉堡包，为什么不和正在为你服务的人聊聊他们这一天是怎么过的？也许第一次你没有得到回应—因为从事服务工作的人还不习惯别人把注意力集中在他们身上。在生活中，要记住：你不是唯一一个有工作压力的人，不是唯一一个身体不舒服的人，也不是唯一一个为家里担心的人。别人和你一样，有自己的生活和问题。抽点空给店员一个微笑—直视他们的眼睛并祝愿他们有美好的一天—是认真的哦！
5.不要超速行驶
我们每个人都有自己的小技巧来帮助这个充满竞争和灾难的世界—包括为你行车的道路作贡献。下次你咬紧牙齿，紧绷肌肉在危险的高速公路上行驶的时候，问问你自己，你是否曾为那条道路做过任何贡献。看看你有多靠近你前面的车辆？当别人要离开的时候，你会给别人让道吗？
如果我们都习惯了拥挤的道路，更不用说，进门时的拥挤程度是多么另人担心啊。如果我能们遵守限速规则，或许可以减少路霸事件—更重要的是，能减少交通事故的次数。我们要考虑到别的司机。要注意车辆的流量。要记住，行驶的时候我们的不是为了超过别人，而是为了安全的到达我们的目的地。
6.与别人的狗散步
现在停下手头的东西，然后去拜访你的朋友，好吗？如果你去拜访你的朋友，那为什么不能花20分钟陪陪你朋友的狗呢？如果你曾有过一只狗，那么你应该知道，在那些繁忙的日子里花时间陪陪它是一件多么具有挑战性的事啊。如果我们能在照顾自己的狗的同时，也能照顾朋友的狗，那会是一件多么棒的事啊。
和那可爱的狗说说话，捋捋它软软的毛，带它到外面去透透气，让它尽情地嗅，尽情地打滚，奔跑，宣泄它内心的喜悦，想想那会多么令人愉快啊？这只是能让这个时刻变得更有意义做的一件小事—也许也是你一天中最有趣的时刻。
7.大方的让出你的空间
人类对他们拥有的空间有很强的占有欲。我们等了很久才有自己的空间，当被别人占领的时候我们会很生气，因为等了那么久才拥有它，现在却变成别人的了。有一种“我最大”的心理也许会让你保住你的空间，但这种情况不会有第二次了。要保护我们的个人空间其实不必把别人赶走的。
如果你今天不不赶时间，为什么不在排队的时候看看周围，看看是否有人比你更急，或者在公车上把位置让给那些更需要它的人？也许那是车辆管理局的一个疲惫的怀孕女人，或者是银行里排在你后面的一对老夫妻呢？你会很惊奇的发现，你一个小小的善意的举动会给别人带来多大的影响—给别人一个简单的感激的微笑会让你这一天保持好心情。
8.如果你祈祷，不要向上帝祈求更多而是感谢你已经拥有了的
当生活状况迫切需要祈祷的时候，人们才会经常向上帝祷告。也许他们感到不开心，或者他们失去了什么，或者他们为某样东西而深感忧虑。祈祷让他们感到舒服，让他们坚定信仰，祈祷给他们的将来带来希望。但是为什么不让人们要求更多，为什么不让他们渴望更多呢？
下次和上帝对话的时候，记得要感谢他你所拥有的东西。这样做不是因为你想得到上帝的青睐—而是因为你想感激你生活的另一面。有时候我们总是生活在消极里，而忘记了我们所拥有的所有美好的事物。要记得，所有美好的事物都有利于你保持一个健康的人生态度。当你最需要它的时候，那些美好的事物也会给你带来解决问题力量。
9.去做一个免费的导师
让你感觉良好的另一个方法就是免费给别人提供专业的指导。现在有很多人在做生意，在做网络顾问，或者正在成功的路上—不管这对他们个人来说意味着什么。只要继续为他们指导下去，你就会得到意想不到的收获，但是在你成功之前总会有一些全新的东西要去学的。
如果你有能力去指导别人，为什么不去帮助那些需要你专业指导的人呢？当然，用你的天资和技能去赚钱，这种感觉很棒。但是，如果你能够免费奉献你的天资和技能，那么你的感觉会更好。
10.用你的五官去感受自然—甚至也可以用你的第六感
我们生活在电子的，虚拟的时代，大部分的生活都离不开电脑。但是，与自然接触的喜悦是世界上任何技术都代替不了的。
下次不管是身体上还是精神上感到疲惫的时候，只要出去走走感受自然就好了。穿上你的登山鞋，从洒满阳光的小路进入森林去冒险。带上你的搭档，你的宠物或者如果你有孩子就带上你的孩子，沿着潺潺的小溪散步，或者去开放的牧场徒步旅行。不必说些什么—现在是你和自然用心交流的时候。竖起你的耳朵，你听到了什么呢？睁开你的眼睛，你又看见了什么呢？呼吸着鲜嫩牧草醉人的香味；感受雨后地面冰冷潮湿的气息；思考宇宙万物之间的内在联系，你就会明白自然科学的确是一件神奇的艺术品了。
如果你想为你做的每一件事感到真正的快乐，那么就停止后退吧。就如我向你传授的那样生活吧：活着，醒着，感受着并敬畏着。
这篇文章的著者是David B. Bohl—他是一个丈夫，父亲，朋友，生活教练，作家，企业家，还是Slow Down FAST博客的创始人。想看更多的信息就登陆他的博客Slow Down FAST。
图片由KM Photography, Law Keven和Aussiegal提供。