Prepare for a long and eventful life, and you will have it. This has been my experience. I knew that there would come a day when I would retire from working for a paycheck. And so, it came. One must consider how to make this transition and remain vital, vigorously-engaged and connected by planning early and continuously. Hobbies are an important part of this “second” act.
When I am asked, “How are you?” My response is, “Too young for Medicare, and too old for the women to care.” (OK – not true on both counts!) I am on Medicare, and I share a loving, romantic relationship. I thought about the situation described by this joke, which rarely escapes a laugh.
We may develop good habits, scientifically proven as the below are, with living well, well past working for a living, by practicing:
- Gratefulness – Are we historically, emphatically and most remarkably born in the greatest country in history? Yes! Here, dreams do come true.
- Exercising – This is for health, but it is exercising the human condition, the whole body, mind, and spirit, which are the elements of thriving. Learn to thrive to be 100; many of us will achieve this milestone.
- Meditation – Just 10 minutes every morning can have a daily impact for a lifetime.
You may be asking what in the world does skeet shooting have to do with living well? I knew that by:
- Studying – Learning what the best minds in history had and have to say about living well. Study how to live virtuously.
- Mentoring – Being the example. Trying to be someone that people want to call friend. Practicing character.
- Thriving – Health, especially between the ears and in the heart. Work on wellbeing so happiness finds you most unexpected.
Shooting well is all about dualities. You must be entirely focused, yet completely relaxed. You must have eye-hand coordination so acute that the unconscious mind controls the shot placement. You must be in the moment; no distractions, especially mentally. Some elite shooters have shared they can see the clay target spinning! All these qualities of a good shot find their basis in meditation. The best shots in the world, actually most people at the top of their “game,” meditate. If this scientifically and historic practice works for skeet, it also works well for us to apply to our daily life. Whenever I am driving and my neck or shoulders pinch, I breathe deeply and rhythmically and let relaxation wash over me as it does each morning and evening.
Which do you practice on a regular basis: exercising, gratefulness or meditation?