On the Horizon
It is sometimes a challenge for me to remember the horizon.
I tend to become focused on what is in front of me. My attention gets absorbed in the immediate decision we are trying to make, the specific question we are trying to answer, the person facing me who wants my help. When I walk, I tend to look where I am taking my next step.
I need to remind myself how important it is to look for what is on the horizon.
The horizon is the line where the earth meets the sky. It is the boundary between what we can see and what is just outside our sight. There is a horizon in any direction we look; it surrounds us, and we do not know what is waiting just past the horizon.
It is helpful for me to take time regularly to stop, take a breath, and look at the horizon. The horizon reminds me that there are things I cannot see, though they may not be very far away.
It is also helpful for me to remember that whatever is coming over the horizon, into sight, may be challenging for me to see clearly. Even with my glasses, it is often difficult to tell what exactly is out there on the horizon.
Sometimes it is an approaching storm that will take away the things you most want to protect; sometimes it is the refreshing rain that you need to continue growing. It may be an avenging army, or the rescuing cavalry.
Whatever is just beyond the horizon is outside your control. It may be that the only thing to do is recognize it, and accept that it is there.
How often do you look for what is on your horizon?
What was out there on the horizon, just out of your sight, six months ago?
[Image by Cantone]
4 Comments
Eileen
September 8, 2012I think the challenge for me often becomes keeping an eye on the horizon but not letting the things I have no control over consume my thoughts. I like what you said, sometimes we need only look, recognize and accept it.
Strategic Monk
September 8, 2012Thank you, Eileen.
Yes, I think that, no matter how much I would like to know what is approaching just past the horizon, I am learning to look, recognize, and accept what is on its way. Sometimes it is possible to appreciate what is coming.
Samantha
September 17, 2012It’s a challenge for me too, Greg. I tend to volley back and forth between the two. On the one hand, I can consciously be more mindful of the ‘here’ so that I’m more present. Then before I know it, my eyes (mind) wander toward the horizon to such an extent that I’m not longer ‘present’. I have not mastered the art of being two places at the same time yet! haha (Hope that makes sense)
Thanks again for another great post.
~Samantha
Strategic Monk
September 17, 2012Thank you, Samantha.
For me, it is a matter of unfocused awareness. Once I get fixed on the immediate task, or on the long range horizon, it is easy for me to lose perspective. It is part of letting go and being open; not grasping too tightly.