An observation I’ve had of late is how we slip into routines as we grow older in life. I routinely use only parts of my house, talk to certain people, etc. Every now and then we catch a glimpse of something in our lives that is both unexpected and familiar: running into an old friend, eyeing something in the house which we haven’t touched in many weeks.

I glanced over to the nightstand in my office at my leatherbound journal I have used on and off to write ideas in. It’s been untouched for at least a few months. It catches me offguard that something so personal and intimate as one’s own house can have nooks & crannies which go unseen and untouched for considerable lengths of time.

How much of your day do you let yourself slip into a routine? A routine commute, the daily grind, etc. If we step outside of the pattern, we allow ourselves to feel guilt, embarassment, worry and other emotions. A break from the norm should (almost) always be fun, exciting, and inspiring.

And, whether you’re in the groove or breaking fresh ground, the key is to be in the here and now. Routine allows our minds to shift down a gear. While that can be welcome, it’s a shame as I don’t think we soak up life as well when we’re on automatic. It’s too easy to just let it blur by. For me at least.

I suppose that’s why Zen philosophy speaks of living in the here and now. Hope you’re doing something fun, meaningful, well intentioned or all of the above, and that you’re able to fully experience the moment to remember at a later date.