Present Day

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.