I think one of the toughest things about being human is our tendency to live outside of the present moment.
For me personally, I tend to live in the past. My mantra is "I wish I had... I wish I hadn't..." I am constantly regretting my actions - wishing I hadn't said or done something, wishing I could go back in time and change things, even wishing I could just start my life over again
For other people (like my husband), worries about the future are the primary struggle. Shane's mantra is "What if...?" He is constantly thinking about all the things that could possibly go wrong in the future and wondering what he'll do.
The problem is ultimately the same for both of us. We're both plagued by things that are not happening right now, things that we have no control over. We are unable to enjoy what is right in front of us, because our minds are consumed by things that have already happened, or haven't happened yet (and probably never will).
One of my favorite things about dogs is their contentment in the here-and-now. (The above picture is Anya, my border collie, who is my greatest mentor in living for the present.) Dogs always live for whatever is happening right now! They are happy when they're sleeping, eating, playing, exploring, walking, observing, cuddling... every moment, whatever it is they're doing, they are happy to be doing it.
And one of my favorite things about yoga is the practice of meditation and asana - the whole purpose is living in the moment! That's why we focus on the breath, which is one of the easiest ways to bring your awareness to the present.
The other day I read the line: "This moment is perfect." So simple. But it hit me so hard.
I NEVER think that!!! But when I stop and think about it, every moment IS perfect.
Sitting at my desk in my pajamas drinking chai tea... PERFECT.
Walking the dogs through the neighborhood early on a crisp morning in December... PERFECT.
Driving to work listening to my favorite song... PERFECT.
Stirring cookie batter... PERFECT.
Vacuuming the floor... PERFECT.
Each of the moments that make up my entire life is perfect. Even with unpleasant events, there is always a way to look at things positively - If I'm driving to work and get stuck in heavy traffic, it almost always makes me anxious and puts me in a bad mood. But if I stop and think about that very second... Forget about that person who cut me off (it's in the past)... Forget about possibly being late for work (that's in the future). In this moment, I'm warm and comfortable, I'm singing along to one of my favorite songs, and I'm happy. Quite simple, really.
I need a lot of practice with this idea I'm preaching. But ever since I read that line, I've had several moments where I've taken a deep breath, and reminded myself that this moment is perfect. What a beautiful thing.
I hope you do the same.
Happy holidays, everyone.
NAMASTE.
For me personally, I tend to live in the past. My mantra is "I wish I had... I wish I hadn't..." I am constantly regretting my actions - wishing I hadn't said or done something, wishing I could go back in time and change things, even wishing I could just start my life over again
For other people (like my husband), worries about the future are the primary struggle. Shane's mantra is "What if...?" He is constantly thinking about all the things that could possibly go wrong in the future and wondering what he'll do.
The problem is ultimately the same for both of us. We're both plagued by things that are not happening right now, things that we have no control over. We are unable to enjoy what is right in front of us, because our minds are consumed by things that have already happened, or haven't happened yet (and probably never will).
One of my favorite things about dogs is their contentment in the here-and-now. (The above picture is Anya, my border collie, who is my greatest mentor in living for the present.) Dogs always live for whatever is happening right now! They are happy when they're sleeping, eating, playing, exploring, walking, observing, cuddling... every moment, whatever it is they're doing, they are happy to be doing it.
And one of my favorite things about yoga is the practice of meditation and asana - the whole purpose is living in the moment! That's why we focus on the breath, which is one of the easiest ways to bring your awareness to the present.
The other day I read the line: "This moment is perfect." So simple. But it hit me so hard.
I NEVER think that!!! But when I stop and think about it, every moment IS perfect.
Sitting at my desk in my pajamas drinking chai tea... PERFECT.
Walking the dogs through the neighborhood early on a crisp morning in December... PERFECT.
Driving to work listening to my favorite song... PERFECT.
Stirring cookie batter... PERFECT.
Vacuuming the floor... PERFECT.
Each of the moments that make up my entire life is perfect. Even with unpleasant events, there is always a way to look at things positively - If I'm driving to work and get stuck in heavy traffic, it almost always makes me anxious and puts me in a bad mood. But if I stop and think about that very second... Forget about that person who cut me off (it's in the past)... Forget about possibly being late for work (that's in the future). In this moment, I'm warm and comfortable, I'm singing along to one of my favorite songs, and I'm happy. Quite simple, really.
I need a lot of practice with this idea I'm preaching. But ever since I read that line, I've had several moments where I've taken a deep breath, and reminded myself that this moment is perfect. What a beautiful thing.
I hope you do the same.
Happy holidays, everyone.
NAMASTE.
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