Full Capacity Living…
We recently took a holiday in Canada on a quiet little lake (we’re keeping it a secret) and it gave us the best of both worlds—plenty of hiking and moving our bodies, but time to slow down and be present. That slower rhythm opened space for unexpected moments, like meeting new friends and hearing stories about life in Canada.
There is a palpable difference in the pace of life and the mindset in Canada, at least where we were.
One afternoon on the trail, we came upon a group of hikers from Quebec. They were making their way up the path with ease, their voices carrying through the trees as they laughed, swapped stories, and broke into song—in French, no less. It was such a joyful scene, and it stopped us for a moment just to take it in and connect with them.
It reminded me that one of the keys to a long, vibrant life isn’t just in the food we eat or how much we exercise. Some of the longest living people in our world aren’t running marathons or eating superfoods. They make room for slowing down, being present, finding joy in the small things, and sharing life with others. I think it can be easy to forget this.
I recently listened to a podcast with Rich Roll and Craig Mod (https://www.richroll.com/podcast/craig-mod-913/) where they talked about a unique sense of abundance found in parts of Japan—not an abundance of wealth or material things, but an abundance of time. Craig shared a story about being lost at a train stop. When he asked a woman for directions, she not only helped but actually boarded the train with him to make sure he arrived safely, even though it meant going in the opposite direction of where she needed to go.
When was the last time you felt spacious enough in your day to do something like that? So often, we’re caught in the rush of commitments and busy schedules, leaving little room for the unexpected encounters where serendipity lives.
Our time in Canada was just that. I used to be the type who planned every detail, determined to see everything and go everywhere. But I’ve come to believe that the real treasures are found in the pauses—in making space for encounters with people and the unexpected moments that unfold when you’re not tied too tightly to a schedule. That’s where the true abundance lives.
I suppose that’s why the Craig Mod story stuck with me from that podcast.
As a coach the work is sometimes asking just the right questions to cultivate new thinking in my clients…where do you make room for the unexpected?
Thanks for being here…
If this resonates with you and you think someone you know could benefit please share this email.
Together we can make the world a happier, healthier place.
In best health,
Karen
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