Impromptu Living
by: Gary Szenderski
Impromptu Living
The Power of Now
A Sixty-Word Short Story: *
Frank was keenly aware of the nature of storytelling. He understood its power to influence others; to create lasting memories and to change the way he saw life. Humans are wired to tell and absorb stories, and Frank knew that getting the story right, would make a profound difference in what would happen next. He retreated into meditation and smiled.
And more…
Over the last few months, I’ve been attempting an impromptu lifestyle, trying to be more open, non-judging, less rigid by practicing the discipline of meditation and being grounded in the now. Like Frank in our story, I’ve experienced many smiles that result from the peace and clarity that meditation provides. So, this gets said, and as a sort of disclaimer, I’m not an experienced Guru, sitting in a lotus position all day expecting to levitate anytime soon. I’m not even sure I’m doing it right, but I am seeking the higher aspirations and outcomes that can evolve from reaching a higher frequency of thought and consciousness. In other words, I’m connecting the dots in my life with new patterns and stories not yet been told but surely felt.
In my work and in teaching I’ve discovered that our own individual story is always in a state of flux. In fact, we all will craft stories to explain past events and rationale so that our actions make sense, albeit in a past tense perspective. This is a very orderly and human way to function. What we say should match what we do and vice versa. And that’s great for reliving and explaining the past but does little to change our future. The future doesn’t know what our story to tell will be because we haven’t lived it yet. The only place to write that next chapter is now because the present is the only fertile place where true change can occur. And that’s, in my view, the power of meditation, and why Frank and I are smiling.
I don’t know about you, but for me, even though I feel blessed, there are some things still missing in my life and some dreams yet to be realized. Meditation enables us to connect to the quantum mechanical field where all things are possible and serendipity resides. In a sense, it’s a wishing well backed by scientific method and placed in time and space where we can release our dreams and desires, trusting that the universe will make it happen somehow. It’s a sure bet we can’t do it alone and that’s why we’re created to be able to access a greater power that can orchestrate an infinite number of events and opportunities to give us what we seek.
So far, I’ve noticed a difference in how events and people have been entering my life lately and I’m surprised pleasantly that practicing being impromptu and unrehearsed – not forcing a point of view but being open to the possibilities – brings out more of the real me. It’s still a work in progress but I like where this story’s headed.
The Final Thought: If we knew we wouldn’t fail, what would we do? The answer is the central plot line for a new story, one that only we can write.
* The Premise (Opening short story): Always 60 words. No more. No Less. For more stories like this and information about my books, please visit www.szenzone.com
Szenzone – Stories of life and the power to change yours – is sent via email by request and is published weekly or thereabouts. For back issues or to receive this publication directly please email [email protected] © Gary Szenderski 2025 All Rights Reserved. Gary is an author, branding specialist and teaches at the University of California in Irvine. He specializes in helping people and organizations navigate change – if you or your company needs assistance contact Gary directly. Gary resides in Southern California and welcomes your comments.