Head in a jar.

I’ve talked many times here about the importance of experiencing life – not just going through the motions.

When I catch myself not living in the present, I ask myself a question: Where am I?

Well, I am here.

Wherever I am that moment, that is where I am.

Engaging my awareness, my senses… What do I see? What do I hear? What can I feel?

Amidst all these things, I begin to be grateful for the presence of all of these things.

The trees, the birds, a functioning body that can experience these senses – experiencing life quickly becomes an exercise of awareness and thankfulness.

An analogy I have focused on, amidst this exercise, is making sure my head is not stuck in a jar.

There is a song by Khamari that addresses this idea – recognizing that sometimes all we have is the limited view from the shelf of life around us. We have to choose to accept that role in parts of the world around us.

I find that many times, the person who places my head in a jar is myself, not someone else.

This is what I am trying to escape – I don’t want my lack of presence or awareness of the moments that come and pass me by.

Whether I am stuck in regretful reflection or in a worrysome future outlook, both places of anxiety drive me to place my head in a jar while I am trying to live – limited to living outside of myself.

When my head is on straight, and I am not confined to the jar I can set myself in, I not only can see, feel, and hear better, but I am also connected to the moment.

I have the ability to experience the world as it passes me by, not just watching as my mind is elsewhere.

Sometimes we don’t have a choice when it comes to where we are placed on the shelf.

In this case, I recognize where I have control.

I can, at the very least, keep the jar empty on the shelf, allowing it to collect memories and plans as I experience the presence and feelings of life, instead of being confined to the jar, where I am stuck being a bystander.

Life is meant to be felt, and I can’t do that if I continue to place my head in a jar.

Whether those around me let me off the shelf is another story, but I always have the power to let myself live.

NS

“I believe a few words can change your day and your life.”