Yesterday, while waiting for a cross-country practice, I found myself alone on a bench with a coffee in hand. It had been one of those heavy days—my mind filled with thoughts, deadlines looming. I arrived early, hoping for a few moments of quiet before practice.
Through the gym window, I noticed a man in a wheelchair, all by himself. He was engaged in what looked like a rehabilitation routine, tossing bean bags no more than five feet in front of him. Each throw required so much effort, so much focus. He had a clipboard next to him, carefully recording each throw, his concentration unwavering.
Watching him stirred something inside me—sadness, maybe even guilt. I wondered about his story. Was he born this way? Was there an accident? As a parent of two young children, I couldn’t help but think about his parents and their journey, doing everything they could to ensure he had the best life possible.
The scene left me reflecting on my own life, my day, and all the things I take for granted. I’ve been listening to a few audiobooks on Blinkist, and one in particular came to mind—Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki. In it, Suzuki speaks of approaching life with a fresh perspective, staying grounded in the present, and being fully open to each moment as it comes. Watching that man in the gym gave me a profound, real-life example of those teachings. His determination and focus were a reminder to slow down, to be grateful for the life I have, and to not get lost in the small things that tend to weigh us down.
When I got home, I shared the experience with my wife. It sparked a deep conversation about how we go through our days—how often we forget to appreciate the moment we’re in, to live with intention and gratitude. That simple scene made me want to live with more presence and care.
In the end, I came away with a renewed sense of purpose, to be the best I can with what I have, and to approach each day with the same effort and mindfulness I saw in that gym. Life is full of little reminders to live fully—if only we take the time to notice.
So true. Thanks for the reminder.