Living a contented life

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It is so easy at this time of year to do too much. There are so many tasks to complete and people to see and functions to attend. The need to squeeze the life out of the last few weeks of 2010 is a compulsion.

What better time then to re-assess our priorities?

To look at what we are doing and why we are doing it?

"Whatever the tasks, do them slowly with ease,

in mindfulness,

do not do any tasks with the goal of getting them over with.

Resolve to each job in a relaxed way,

with all your attention.”

- Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Master

We often complete things so that we can tackle the next thing on our list of things-to-do. We rush from one destination to the next, only to hurry along to the next. We are often so tired from the grind, that we don't have the energy to do the things we love. Things we are passionate about.

So when you find yourself wrapped up in the busy-ness this season, try to spare a moment to hold onto the things that help us lead a contented life. To dance in the rain.

Keep things simple.

Look after your relationships.

Find the funny side.

Find joy in the mundane, the routine.

Never stop learning.