Business of 'Is-ness'

Have you ever had the chance to speak to someone who is the type of person that REALLY pays attention to what you are saying? You could be talking to them about the most obscure and boring topic (i.e. Britney Spears ability to look like a ‘crack whore’ even though she has millions of dollars and a whole team of people who can make her look good). Their eyes don’t wander around the room or glass over. I have heard of these people, but in my experience, they are rare because I have only encountered one such creature in the wild.


…and, of course, I fell in love with him in an instant. He was the flute player and I was the snake in the basket (or was it the other way around?). He was irresistible.

Now, fast forward 20 something years later as I sit on my new throne (a.k.a new toilette) and I am reading ‘How to make every man want you’ by Marie Forleo. I know what you are thinking (Loser!!!), but let me explain. This book talks about the qualities that make you ‘irresistible’ to anyone (No, I am not gay mom!). One of the qualities is ‘being in the moment’, listening and being aware of your surroundings. Who doesn’t want to be ‘irresistible’? I am thinkin’ I will not only get a man, but as a bonus - make my project team members follow me like the proverbial ‘Pipe Piper’. (Ah..me so smart…me Wiley Coyote!). (Shout out to Janice for the use of the 'Wiley Coyote' line).

In this book the author talks about being in the NOW. Being present and in the moment in order to channel your energy and be ‘irresistible’. “You become one with the cosmic intelligence and timeless magnificence of all that is.” ‘The Business of being Is-ness’. (Are you still with me?...try to pay attention!).

I (as you may have already guessed) am the total opposite of this type of person. Most people usually bore me and I try not to make eye contact because that just encourages more words out of their mouths. SHUT UP! If I am on the phone, I usually tell the caller I must go because I need to use the restroom (actually I do this in person too..hmm).

However, this past week I tried being in the moment. Here is my my first foray into ‘Is-ness’ .

As I walked back to my car from the grocery store, instead of thinking what I had to do when I got home, I made a conscience effort to look around my environment. I took in the view, noises and smells, to see if I could ‘connect’ with my fellow human being and say ‘hello’.

Result – The ‘cosmic intelligence’ only sent me a really smelly old man who stank of unwashed parts and armpit sweat. I would have given my first born not to be in the ‘NOW’ at that particular moment. WTF!!

But then things got interesting. I didn’t realize how much I live ‘outside the moment’. I am HARDLY ever IN ‘the moment’. I always seem to be in the past (re-thinking what I should have done) or in the future (thinking of ways I can screw things up if I am not careful).

This past week I had to keep bringing myself back to the moment and when I did I was able to see some beautiful cloud formations, a bunny rabbit scurrying into the bushes, see a handsome man’s smile, sense a self awareness (without self deprecation). Wow! This really works! Don’t get me wrong, I am not about to burn incense or tattoo the ‘ohm’ symbol on my ass, but I think I will continue my journey into my ‘business of is-ness’ and see what else I have missed. As far as being ‘irresistible’….well, I’ll let that take care of itself.