Since adopting this new title for my blog, Right Lane Living has become increasingly meaningful. Initially, it was intended as a play on words for how we traveled in Koko. I limit our speed to 65 mph, so I travel in the right lane along with all the other RVs and trucks. But this idea of life in the right lane has taken on new meaning for our lives, especially now that our year-long travels have had to be curtailed.
For me, the right lane has become a place for a “stop and smell the roses” way of life. My theme song is “The 59th Street Bridge Song” by Simon and Garfunkel that starts out "Slow down, you move too fast…" It reflects a desire to stay in the moment and be present to life as it unfolds. I could go on and on, but I think you deserve a practical example of how my Right Lane Life has evolved over these last 5 months. Welcome to breakfast in Koko.
It begins with a slow-brewed cup of coffee. I have used Keurig pods, French presses, and percolators. But I have returned to my tried and true one-cup drip for my morning brew. I assemble all the tools and ingredients I will need for my breakfast. I then pour just enough water into the kettle to fill my mug. I pour just enough coffee into the filter, and when the kettle whistles, I gently pour the water through the coffee slowly and deliberately, allowing the flavors to bloom before dripping into my mug. These moments are savored as I anticipate that first sip of my morning coffee.
While the coffee drips, I place one cup of water on the burner and turn the heat to high. I confess that I use an induction burner, but this is to save propane, not time. While the water comes to a boil, I measure a heaping half cup of 5-minute oats and set them aside. I then decide what sort of dried fruit and/or nuts I want in my oatmeal. I measure both and add them to the water. When the water boils, I add the oatmeal and set a five-minute timer on Alexa.
Generally, the coffee has finished dripping, and I discard the grounds and set the cup on the table. I spend the next few minutes thinking about yesterday and today and wrapping my head around the day ahead. When Alexa alerts me that five minutes is up, I return to the stove, turn off the burner, and pour my oatmeal into the bowl.
My day has begun, and I find myself precisely where I want to be, in the right lane of life, ready to explore what the world offers. During my leisurely breakfast, I may scan AP and Reuters News Services. Or, I may check out Facebook or the list of ideas for the day on our possibilities list. Regardless, the day is well begun. I am ready to keep the 'tires between the lines' and look for new possibilities that may require a detour.
This slower, more mindful approach to my morning routine has brought a sense of calm and clarity to my day, and I hope you can find similar benefits in your own 'Right Lane Life'.
I hope you find ways to live in the right lane daily. I would love to hear about your own 'Right Lane Life' experiences and how you've embraced a slower, more mindful approach to your day. Feel free to share in the comments below.
Travel well, my friends.
Bob
Feel free to join me in a sing along.
Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feeling groovy
Ba da-da da-da da-da, feeling groovy
Hello lamppost, what'cha knowing
I've come to watch your flowers growin'
Ain't you got no rhymes for me?
Doo-ait-n-doo-doo, feeling groovy
Ba da-da da-da da-da, feeling groovy
I got no deeds to do, no promises to keep
I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep
Let the morningtime drop all its petals on me
Life, I love you, all is groovy
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Paul Simon
The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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From Right Lane Living Blog