Sunday, June 15, 2014

Living in the present moment

For many years I have been enthralled by the concept of living in the present moment. I attempt, as best I can, to embrace the here an now....To let go of all that no longer serves me, and to focus my attention on the blessings that are right in front of me.

This is, of course, all very well and good on paper - but it's surprisingly challenging to live it out in your daily life. That is, I guess, why I practice yoga. Because it allows me to focus my mind on the present moment (even if it is but for a moment in my day). I acknowledge my humanness, that I cannot seem to quiet my mind when the stresses of my day surround me.....but at least for a short time in my day I mindfully focus my energy on this moment.

I encourage you, even if it's just for ten minutes of your day, to just stop what you are doing and focus on this moment in time. Focus on the many blessings in which you have (the very breath of life that you breathe) and offer up some gratitude for those gifts. Acknowledge those around you whom you have come in contact with today, and offer loving-kindness towards them and thoughts of wellbeing for their lives.

I do not pretend to walk around in a state of euphoria, being grateful for everything and never stressing over the little things in life....No, this is not me. I acknowledge that I get overburdened, stressed, tired, grouchy - just like everyone else. But what I am saying, is that with the effort that I have, I will attempt every day to strive closer and closer to the place where my mind can come to peace and serenity.....where my mind can rest, and can appreciate all that God has done for me.