Waitless

Waitless

Have you ever thought about the amount of time that we spend waiting? The time we spend waiting for things like a plane, a phone call, a return text or an upcoming event like a graduation or wedding can really add up. Where did all of that time spent waiting go? How much was wasted on meaningless activities designed to help us pass the time so that we could get to that future moment? What if we had all of that time returned to us? What then?

Unfortunately, there is no pause button in life. Unlike a TIVO setting, our lives can’t be stopped and then restarted on demand. Whether we’re wasting time or spending it wisely, time is not waiting for us.

In certain philosophies like Tao and Zen, there is no waiting, because this moment is all there is. Being in the moment is being free of the need to wait for anything. It’s all already here, now; we’re really all “Waitless”. So the question is, now that we know that we can’t stop time, how do we plan on using the time we have?

There is a trick to all of this, and it has to do with how we think and our own individual perspectives. It seems that our mind has known all along that it has the power to change our lives with a single thought. The amazing thing is that we get to choose that thought. And when our thinking is clear in sync with our values and goals we’re rewarded with glorious moments where we feel so alive that it seems that time actually does stop.

So how do we create more of those being alive moments? Here are some thoughts:

Meditate: Just take a few moments and breath in and out slowly. Clear your mind of everything. This is how eastern religions clear their mind of future and past and keep the “monkey mind” at bay. Just concentrating on your breath teaches you how to stay present.

Take notice: If we can change our thinking to a new reality that states, “there is no down time, or waiting” we can free up those moments to dwell and visualize on our desired destiny. Regardless of whatever else may be going on in our lives, there is always enough mind space and time to hold a dream. And dreams can trump worry, which is a whole other chapter on what keeps us from enjoying the moment.

Take action: The best and maybe only way to create what we want is to know what we want and then move toward it. Do something. A small step, a note, a call, anything that gets us closer is good. A good way to start is to do research on the Internet for the words that you have identified are related to your vision.

Live now: Leave the vision switch on when it comes to daily encounters with other things. It helps us stay in a self-empowered mode and it becomes easier to stay focused and not so stymied by the pull of the outside world. And over time, you may discover that the world is also influenced by our thoughts as well. It’s all in how we see it that matters. And that individual, unique, self-realized view that is ours alone is created from the “Waitless” world we live in – the here and the now.

Final Thought: Whatever happens to you, it’s what you do with it that counts.

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.