Stirring the (Soul) Pot!

I've realized in recent days that my soul feels much more alive than it has in a while. I'm not sure if it's due to the intellectual challenge of new, exciting literature, (and the fact that I have time to read new, exciting literature!) the free time I now have available for quiet contemplation, the deep conversations I've been having with friends and loved ones, or some unquantifiable combination of these things. All I know is this: I like it! I've missed that feeling, that stirring in the soul when you know you've hit upon something, that deeper side of life, one that has nothing to do with Burger King, wireless internet connections, or what's happening on CNN. It was disconcerting to me that I felt far removed from that feeling, that its resurface made me feel like I'd been missing an old friend who had just returned to me. The last thing I want is to get swept up in the day-to-day, the hectic days that turn into weeks that turn into months filled with to-do lists, and wake up months later to find that minutia has been monopolizing my thoughts and time. I've always been a ponderer of the "big questions", a seeker of deeper meaning. The search for meaning has been a natural part of my development, and something I hope to never lose. It can be difficult. The responsibilities we have can take their toll to be sure. But how do we maintain that balance? How do we ensure that we maintain that connection in a world so full of distractions? How can we overcome our limited attention span society? We must first decide, then commit ourselves to the decision. To recognize that the unhappy birds do not need our help against their piggish opponents, but perhaps our restless souls need help fighting the battle against, as Tom Robbins puts it, the tyranny of the dull mind. It's easy to say now that my schedule has opened up. But how to maintain that determination once summer fades and fall finds its way back......I hope to uncover that answer soon. Happy Monday everyone!