Sitting On A Stump In The Middle Of The Woods

As I was reflecting on my life and all that has happened over the past six months since leaving Boulder, Colorado, traveling and ending up in Jacksonville, Florida a question popped up in my mind. 

What does it mean to be content?

What came up for me was an old mantra from a number of years ago. 

“I can be content just sitting on a stump in the middle of the woods.” 

Yes, travel is great and I plan on doing more in the future.

Yes, I love to ride my bike, play golf and workout and I plan on doing those things until I can’t.

What I am realizing is I can spiritualize every aspect of my life. 

I took a break from playing golf for about three months as I was pondering what is the point of spending four hours of my day chasing a little white golf ball around?

And then it hit me like a ton of bricks. 

My soul can be in union with God while I am sitting on a stump in the middle of the woods just as much as I can be connected to Spirit while swinging a stick at a white ball.  There is no difference.

I also realized that I am passionate about golf. It’s a form of meditation for me. It’s a practice of finding stillness in the movement in a flow state. 

Golf is a platform to get to know myself. Through hard work and consistent practice I can develop an inner power that will make me a better golfer and better human. 

Why deny myself that?

Golf is fun, it’s social, it’s challenging. I get to be out in nature sharing a common passion with other golfers. 

I choose to be content sitting on a stump in the middle of the woods.

I choose to be content pursuing my passion for golf. 

Are you content or are you looking for the next thing, person or experience to feel happy? 

From my experience when I kept looking for the next and the next to find contentment, it never worked. 

True contentment comes from the inside. 

It may be as simple as sitting on a stump in the middle of the woods getting to know yourself. 

How are you practicing contentment in your life?

Troy Ismir, MS

Spiritual Warrior

Inner Transformation Coach

I help men take a chance on themselves so they can experience a better, more authentic and fulfilling life.