We're Already Moving

First published on February 16, 2017

Here I am. On the train again. Somehow the train is still a rare experience. A period of spaciousness in movement. I'm making such progress towards my goal, in this case London Waterloo. And yet there is such spaciousness here. An opportunity to savour life in whatever way I want. I can listen. I can read. I can think. I can write. 

My desire for progress is satisfied. Because I'm moving. I'm slowing now, we're approaching Queenstown Road, but I know I couldn't be getting where I need to get any faster. And so, in the meantime, here I stand. Writing to you. 

Even the origin of this writing practice was in the idea that these few minutes are a space without pressure. A space where I could do anything. And yet even from there comes these articles, which so many people have told me they like. 

Is it a coincidence? That the most creative thing I have done in several years has come from a time and a place where the pressure is off, where the evolutionary and societal instinct to make the absolute most of my time here, to make the absolute most of my gifts, is postponed by the clear signs of how I'm progressing.

Because there is another evolutionary instinct at play here. To find space. To feel relaxed. I hear of it so often. And a third, to create. Something from nothing. Something that will open your eyes and heart, and also touch the hearts and souls of others. 

These are strong drives, core desires. To savour life, and to make the most of it. Mindfulness and Progress. Enjoying the moment, and holding to the almost impossible goals that we know will bring us joy. 

Here I am, on the train. I'm moving, even if I'm not doing anything to move. I did that thing about ten minutes ago, getting on this train. And here, now, I'm already moving. I don't have to do anything more. I just have this space. To listen. To read. To think. To write. To live.

I'm already moving.