Grabbit Rabbit

I coached girl’s basketball from age five to eighteen. The younger girls presented some special opportunities. It was an interesting experience to persuade little girls that they didn’t have to be polite on the basketball court. I’d say, “Was there ever a time when someone else had something and you just wanted to take it away from them.” They would all nod yes. “Well now’s your chance!”

Young players hold the ball in front of them while deciding what to do next. That’s when our girls would grab it from them. We were no longer the Lions, Giants or Bears. We were the ferocious Grabbit Rabbits! The ball was right in front of them and they made it theirs. It became their favorite part of the game.

I’ve owned a lot of things in my life, from homes to paperclips and plenty in between. I’ve learned that I may own something, but to have it, I need to pay attention to it. Otherwise it’s not doing me much good.That applies to material things, experiences and relationships.

It was said for many years that the best things in life are free. I may not have exchanged money for them. However, to truly have them I do need to pay attention to them. Wonderful things come into my life everyday. Compared to people in third world countries, I live like a king. I get to experience life in a way ancient people would never have dreamed possible. If I don’t notice, it’s like having a great book and not reading it. So what.

Paying attention demands that I be Present. It’s like the old days when some packages came with COD, cash on delivery. It is here, now, right in front of me. I have to grab it, by paying attention to it. Noticing my physical senses, touch, smell, taste, hearing and sight makes it easier. That’s the only way it can be enjoyed.

The basketball is the only item of value on the court. The present moment is the only reality I ever experience. Everything comes to me through that moment. If my mind is somewhere else then it’s wasted, like a valuable item that’s put away and never used. How incredibly sad. Meditation, along with being aware of the value of now, helps me stay Present. It is a skill that takes practice to become part of who I am-A Grabbit Rabbit and it’s well worth the effort. Nothing more complicated than perception.

May you have enough today, one moment at a time.