Gimme, Gimme, Gimme

“We’ve become so addicted to instant gratification that we’re blind to the impact it has on our lives.” — Frank Sonnenberg

I’m up in paradise (aka Byron Bay) to undertake a three-day introductory course in Vedic meditation with The Broad Place. After a beautiful hour walk along Tallows beach this morning I discovered an email from my lady. She’d forwarded a post from Jacqui Lewis, TBP's founder and teacher, on the inherent dangers of instant gratification.

The post resonated with me on many levels. I think about this more than ever, especially on my weekly trip to the supermarket. Everywhere you look there are aisle upon aisle of tasty treats. They come in all shapes and sizes, their processed sugary goodness promising immediate ecstasy in one mouthful. 

As I’ve learnt to embrace life with a new sense of passion, I’ve inadvertently unearthed my inner child and am forever indulging in something delicious when it falls into my crosshairs. Whether it’s a Golden Gaytime on a balmy afternoon or a chilled bottle of natural wine with friends, I’m prone to going all in.

Yet it’s critical to keep yourself in check, to ensure you hold your greed accountable. Much as we have the right to gobble it all up, constant indulgence doesn’t leave us on cloud nine. Just the opposite. We detach ourselves from our inner compass as decadence becomes the new normal. Chasing our tail in search of a new sensation that will never satiate the itch.

Learning to look forward to the things you most desire isn’t just good practice. It's a lifetime guarantee to truly savour the things that make your go mmmm.