Experiences are fuel for writing. Vacationing in the English Lakes Region proved to be great fuel! The weather, a common and universal topic of conversation, became a minor inconvenience compared to the “main events” occurring around the world. We watched with the wide perspective we’ve gained in our travels here and elsewhere.
Our first vacation day, hiking in the rain, eliminated all beliefs that the sun needs to be shining or at least behind friendly clouds, in order to enjoy the outdoors. Indeed, if locals and vacationers waited for specific “fine weather”, activity might come to a standstill.
In one establishment, we were presented an evening weather forecast for the next day (pictured). No doubt somewhere in your travels or reading, you are familiar with this kind gesture. After the third day of the same forecast, I wondered. What does the forecast have to do with the reality of our days? Does weather really change aspirations, plans, life? Each day we ventured forth with plans and spontaneity, regardless of the weather, in spite of the weather, and with the weather. Often, the weather forecast was off and had no relevance to our experience. Perhaps a general daily reminder to bring sunscreen, sandals, umbrella, and galoshes would be more helpful and insightful, along with tips – such as, take a cotton bandana. For sunny days, it wraps around your head to collect perspiration. For rainy days, it wipes the raindrops from your face.
All of which cranked my imagination into gear. What if we were given a nightly well-being forecast before each day, depicting what our state of mind would be? Would this forecast be helpful? Or, would it be a deterrent, from being in choice? Would it be a detriment, from being in and with the moment of what wants to happen?
Besides forecasting, what other outdated practices can prove to be less than helpful if given too much weight? Forecasting, as well as other tools that have the power to take us away from facing reality as it presents itself, is a well-worn routine that has merit for limited purposes. Farmers, fisherpeople, and transportation systems all use weather forecasting to assist safety issues and livelihood. What are the modern day work-arounds? The weather is going to be the weather. Do you withdraw from life because of a little rain?
The newly minted Well-Being forecast is my curious attempt at humor, wondering and development. We know that our state of mind can’t be forecasted; we also know that with a variety of practices or even mind-body altering chemicals, our state of mind changes. We know that each moment changes and our mind state responds. We respond with skill, or with reactivity.
Skillful responses are open and without attachment to outcome. Reactive responses are contracted and grasp a forecast – an attachment to knowing. My point, subtle or not, is that our being, our way of relating to life in the moment, is it – not the forecast. It is never the forecast.
So tell me what is a forecast for?
Is a forecast relevant? If so, when?
Is a forecast an enduring habit that has outlived its peak?
Is a forecast nurturing growth or holding on with fear?
How can this Well-Being forecast serve you?
The money connection is about forecasting future financial performance, cash flow, net worth, and any financial metric that allows for planning your precious life. Recognize the value of your strategic planning mind. Then, allow your ability to plan to be the servant of a more generous and spontaneous present way of life. Being present is where we access well-being, happiness and nourishment. We can never and will never financially forecast reality. However, we can utilize strategic tools to serve our authentic well-being.
Forecasting fiercely – relevant and resourceful,
