The Pleasures of Life

May 25, 2008

Dear Friends,

For the past week, I have been in Dallas, Texas for the birth of my oldest daughter’s first child, a beautiful baby boy named Cole. When Cole opens his eyes and looks around, the expression on his face makes it look as if he is thinking, “Where in the world am I?” As Cole begins to explore this world he now finds himself in, his parents are in for a great treat. It is so much fun to watch a child discovering and enjoying the pleasures of life.

Not too long ago, I remember watching a toddler eating in a restaurant. It was a joy to observe this little girl eating her dinner with such relish. She was absolutely thrilled by each and every bite, and she kept trying to steal more food off her mother’s plate.

And then there was the time I watched another little girl—this one about four years old—dancing to some music being played by a street musician. What was particularly interesting about this child was the way she “observed herself” as she danced. She would look at her arms as she waved them in the air. She would look at her feet as she shuffled them across the ground. And she would look at her waist as she swiveled her hips around and around.

I felt like I was witnessing that little girl’s soul—her divine, eternal spirit—being fully aware of its presence in this material world, and consciously enjoying the pleasures that this world has to offer. “Look, I have a body!” “Look, I can move it all around!”

So, you may ask, what does all that have to do with living life in the divine flow? Simply this: Always remember that your enjoyment of life has little to do with reaching the destinations you are “rowing” toward.

Sure, fulfilling a desire or realizing a dream feels great! But that is just the icing on the cake. The real, deep-down enjoyment of life comes from allowing yourself to appreciate the entire journey, and all the wonderful things that journey presents to you along the way.

As you pursue your goals in life, be sure to pause for a moment to appreciate the simple beauty of a tiny flower, and the majesty of a mighty tree. Notice the refreshing feel of a cool, spring breeze . . . the pure, clean scent of approaching rain . . . and the sound of a bird as it sings its splendid song.

Remember that living life in the divine flow is not just about getting where you want to go. It’s also about how you live as you row. Remember to take the time to laugh, sing, dance, and read . . . to eat your favorite foods . . . and to listen to your favorite music.

Make sure that you take the time to allow your spirit to do what it really came here to do in the first place—just to enjoy the experience of being alive and in the world!

Steven (Also known as Cole’s Grandaddy!)

© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow