Present Day
Savoring the Moment
While sitting on the floor in my living room, my little
llama is demonstrating her dance moves to Justin Timberlake and Michael
Jackson. It had been a trying night with
a 2 year old, and ten minutes earlier I wanted to be anywhere but right here.
Perhaps you’ve felt the same way with a particular
relationship or responsibility. We
dreamed we were on a sunny, warm Caribbean beach sipping a cold beverage at the
water’s edge. From every person I’ve
spoken to, this is normal.
Life throws a lot at us such as last minute TPS reports or a
spouse that’s also had a hard day. We
rarely take the time to be in the moment of stress choosing to distract
ourselves with emails, phone calls, texts (and everything else on our iPhones). Sometimes we eat or shop just to take our
minds off what’s happening in front of us.
I, too, have all of these moments and more. However, I’ve decided to try and be present
when these challenging times happen. I
close my eyes, recite my own mantra “Breathe” and take 3 deep breaths. When I open my eyes, I can see a little more
clearly. I sometimes can see the “why”
behind the moment. My child is hungry,
and that is why she is having a tantrum.
I am tired, and more irritable.
My boss lacks time management, and I should have a conversation about it
later.
When we stay present – in the good and bad moments, we
experience life fully. Articles focus
more enjoying the every day great moments we miss, but I feel we should notice the
bad ones too. We can learn from
them. We can appreciate the good times
more. They are ultimately part of our
life.
Staying present is a practice – one I’ll never master before
I die. The more we practice, the better
we get at staying present. The next time
you find your mind wandering, stop and ask yourself, “why do I feel this way?
and what do I need?” Then, using your
own calming method such as a mantra or phrase, take a breath then look at the
situation right in front of you. Does
the person need something? How can you
help? Having your presence may be the
only thing the other person and/or situation needs.
Keep repeating this practice over and over. Savor the moment – good and bad.
