Slow Down

I was sitting in the airport the other day waiting for my flight and saw a man with his computer on his lap. However, as I looked more closely I realized his fingers weren't moving and he was asleep! He was apparently trying hard to finish his work but his exhaustion had won out.

I was reminded that a lot of us live that way much of the time. We push and push and push with little room for margin and sometimes our body just has to catch up. Unfortunately, other things get behind, too - our time with family and friends, moments to just relax and opportunities to think about faith, purpose and our direction.

We will never return to the good old days of fewer choices, less frenzy and not so many distractions. But we can take control of our schedule in some ways that could prevent burnout, unnecessary stress and collateral damage to our physical, relational and emotional health.

Travel for work less if you have a choice. Even removing one or two trips each month will make a difference.

Clean up your schedule. It's likely that there are some things you can consolidate or simply say "no" to that would simplify your life. Perhaps your kids can share rides with someone else, maybe you can do two things on the same trip that used to require two. Maybe one of your hobbies needs to take a break for awhile.

Be intentional about including break and rest times in your week. Do you exercise or at least get out for a walk? Do you ever just stop and drink coffee without having work on your lap or nearby? When's the last time you and your spouse just did something for fun?

Like our body needs sleep, so does our mind. See that your body, soul and spirit are being nourished. They cannot go full bore and not be damaged somewhere along the way.

Take inventory of your life. Are you accomplishing anything that matters?  Are you really doing the most important things or are they just ideas that you hope to do someday. Guess what?  Someday rarely comes. 

You Live Longer In The Mountains!

A recent study suggests that living in the mountains can cause you to live longer (http://bit.ly/iiIYRF). I'm not surprised. There's always something that happens in me when I'm in the mountains and climbing that is invigorating and renewing.

And yes there are others who can tell you more about the scientific reasons and accompanying studies. But let me suggest a couple of very practical benefits toward longer life that take place whether we're climbing rock and granite or the mountains that life brings us.

First, we are reminded that there is something, yes in my thinking someONE, who is bigger than we are. People of faith are usually more hopeful. That doesn't mean (though a few extremists suggest it does) that life is always great or without problems for those who believe in God. Rather, knowing that we were made for a purpose and that our Creator actually cares makes a difference in how we view our existence.

Second, in the mountains we tend to slow down more. Life can be hectic anywhere but when we go to higher altitudes the pace tends to back off. When we're on a trail or wall we don't have to dodge cars, answer texts and talk to more than a few people if any. That time to ponder, to put aside the urgent and to re-focus can lower tension and anxiety which no doubt helps lifespan.

Third, when we climb we accomplish something of significance. Sure, it may not matter to some but it's a big deal to us for a reason. And every person longs to do something important and when we do we look at ourselves and life and the everyday things differently.  When we've taken on something big we know the next time that there is hope to do the same.

Finally, in the mountains we meet fellow climbers. I've always enjoyed connecting with people on the trail to share a brief story or experience and even to continue climbing together. The same is true while climbing life's mountains. That's why support groups work for most people. We need to have people who have walked the trail before us or who will climb with us.

So, wherever you live, get to the mountains all you can. And whatever mountain you're climbing be encouraged that the climb will have many benefits, maybe even that of living a bit longer on this earth. That's worth something isn't it?