Life in the City

-by Sandra Simmons

To be or not to be, that is the question. -William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Act III, scene I.

With the holidays quickly approaching, it seems as though our addiction to doing becomes more profound.

There are company, business, and social gatherings to attend, gifts to purchase and wrap, tucked away decorations to dust off and carefully position in just the perfect spot.

For those of us who love our professional calling (okay, work!), we find it difficult to complete our “to do” list as our clients are taking time off, whether it is physical or mental.

Add in family politics. Life that is normally filled to the brim begins to overflow and up bubbles to the surface feelings of stress and resentment.

Does this ring true for you? Are you busy doing? Planning, organizing, shopping for the perfect holiday meal or party? Have you set a date to have all your holiday cards and gifts in the mail? And, before you realize you are asking what happened to 2006 as you ring in the new year?

I question…To do or not to do?

These Downtowners know their days are filled with things to do, so they make a point of setting aside a little bit of time each day to just be, whether it entails doing or not.

Becky Osterberg (Pinnacle) has a multitude of interests; consequently, there is more to do than time. She begins each day with a morning meditation. Becky makes sure when scheduling her day that her assigned tasks are manageable. Her biggest impediment to being is doing too much.

Efrain Cornejo (El Cortez) feels fortunate to live and work Downtown. When he wants to relax and temporarily escape from the urban setting, he walks to Balboa Park. There he finds the environs serene, country-like. He fuels his love for arts and the theater by visiting his favorite haunts.

Howard Sachs (Park Row) laments the holidays aren’t what they use to be. Holidays were once focused on being with family; now, they are too commercial. He spends time getting back to the old values in his life: slowing down and enjoying the time with family.

Tisha McMurry (M2i) spends time during the holidays to relax and enjoy her family and friends. To unwind completely, she and Ella (her dog) take pleasure in going to the beach.

Margaret Bhola (The Grande South) believes the holidays are a time to be present, giving thanks, and sharing love. They are about being together, not doing.

I’ve recently discovered what my friends have been preaching for so long: life is about a balance of doing and being. The realization has cracked open my heart.

I find myself chanting a song: I let the peace wash over me. I let, I let it be. I let the joy wash over me. I let, I let it be. I let the love wash over me. I let, I let it be.

May your holiday be filled with peace, joy, and love. Let it be. - December 2006

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