DRAIN THE GOOSE
Yesterday I said men don’t usually chat in public restrooms. But you know “usually” does not mean “never.”
Today at work I was standing at the urinal. A coworker I casually know entered and stood his ground at the urinal next to me.
He asked, “How’s it going?”
I replied, “You know, there’s few things in life better than taking a piss.”
“I can think of a few,” he mused.
“But not at this moment,” I stated, with a feeling of relief filling me up as my bladder continued to empty.
“You’re right,” he agreed.
Obviously there are many things in life which provide greater enjoyment than urinating. But in the moment when it’s urgent, I can think of none I appreciate more.
There are two concepts to consider — “in the moment” and “appreciation.”
Living in the moment just makes sense. There is no other time to live than in the moment. We can’t go backwards and change anything we’ve done. Though we can plan for the future, we can’t actually implement any of those plans until the future transforms into the present. The only time at which we can act is right now.
This precise second is the only moment when I can do anything. What I do is completely my choice. I can allow someone else to influence me, but whatever action I perform, including no action, is completely of my choosing. I must take responsibility for everything I do. And though I may not always enjoy everything I’m doing, I can at least appreciate this is the moment in which to do it.
Hence, here’s where the second concept dovetails in. I can appreciate many things without liking them. I appreciate getting a shot of medicine when I’m sick. I don’t like to feel needles puncture my flesh or the sensation of medicine forced under my skin. But, I do like the healing it triggers.
I appreciate exercise. I don’t like the burning muscles in my legs and arms as I exert them repeatedly. I don’t like dripping with sweat because of the heat generated through exercise. But, I do enjoy having a toned, healthy body.
I appreciate grief. I don’t like the overwhelming pain that envelops me. But I did enjoy my time with whatever event or person I’m missing now in my state of grief. The time spent in the event or with the person created so much joy that now in its absence I feel a deep longing. Yes, I can appreciate things, whether I like them or not.
Appreciation brings about gratitude. Gratitude fills me joy. It’s impossible to feel sorrow when I’m steeped in gratitude.
So, in the moment I have a need which requires fulfilling, that is the single most important event in my life — even if it’s peeing. I may enjoy many things more than peeing, like kayaking, watching a movie, spending time with friends and family, but when I gotta go, I truly appreciate the experience.
Excuse me, I have a date with appreciation. I gotta go “drain the goose.”
If you're enjoying this over coffee, tea, or whatever, please consider buying me a cup!
