Receiving the Precious Gift of Time

By Friday night, March 13, all organized activities and classes were cancelled, and I realized the pandemic had cleared my calendar for at least two weeks. Life suddenly became uncrowded as daily routines were swept away.

In the clearing, I saw the precious gift we have received:
the gift of time.

For at least the next two weeks, there is an abundance of unscheduled time. How often does this happen in a lifetime? What discoveries are within reach if one’s focus shifts away from scarcity to recognizing this unexpected opportunity in this present life?

The gift has been given and although I cannot hold it in my hands, I can acknowledge the gift and receive it.

Here’s the twist I discovered. First, I had to acknowledge the unexpected gift of “free time” and then I had to consciously give myself the space in the week opened up by all the cancellations. What looks like emptiness at first glance can become space for something new. When unpacking the gift of time, one might also find the gift of attention.

 

Unwrapping the gift

This is my simple plan in the next two weeks to enjoy the gifts of time and attention:
Each day say yes to receive time—at least 20 minutes of “listening/attending”—in any place of my choosing.
Pay attention to Life, any subtle movements or details.
If inspired, respond.
I give myself permission to play with the gift of time, to listen, to see what comes, to notice the budding and blossoming of spring… No measuring. No goals. No reporting.
Just an exploration into the precious gift of time.