"私の人生はあなたが私が急いでいるのを見ているこの急な時間ではありません"

Life is more than just the busy moments where we feel rushed and overwhelmed. That's the gist of this idea. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget there's more to our existence than just this frantic pace.

Imagine this: It's the early 1900s, and Rainer Maria Rilke, a famous poet, penned this line. He lived through some pretty chaotic times—think pre-World War I Europe, a period of rapid change and uncertainty. It's no wonder he felt the need to remind himself and others that life isn't just about these hectic, anxiety-filled hours.

Picture yourself in a bustling city. Everyone's got somewhere to be—meetings, school runs, deadlines. You’re running late, the traffic is unbearable, and it feels like your to-do list is a mile long. You might think, "This is my life now." But, wait a minute. Is it really? Think of those moments when you’re sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, reading a book, or catching up with an old friend. Those moments count just as much.

Let's take a real-life example: Jane, a marketing executive in New York City. Her days are packed with meetings, emails, and presentations. It's easy for her to feel like her entire life is this mad dash from one task to the next. But every Sunday morning, she takes a walk in Central Park. No phone calls, no emails—just the sound of birds, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the sight of kids playing. That peaceful hour grounds her. It reminds her that life isn’t just the chaos of the workweek.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by carving out pockets of time for yourself, no matter how small. Maybe it’s ten minutes of meditation in the morning or a short walk after dinner. During these times, let go of your worries and just be present. Remember that the rushed moments are just a part of your life—not the whole picture.

Imagine you’re telling this to a friend over coffee. You’d probably say something like, “Hey, I know things are crazy right now, but take a step back. Remember that your life is also those relaxing moments when you’re at peace. Don’t let the rush define you.” Maybe share a personal anecdote. Like that time you were drowning in work, but then you went camping for the weekend and felt completely rejuvenated. That’s the bigger picture.

Think about it like this: Your life is a beautiful painting, not just a single brushstroke. The hurried moments are just one color on the palette. There are also the serene blues of a quiet evening, the warm yellows of a sunny day spent with loved ones, and the calming greens of nature.

So next time you find yourself overwhelmed, remember Rilke's words. Your life is not just this steeply sloping hour. Take a deep breath, find a quiet moment, and let yourself be reminded of the broader, richer canvas of your existence.