The Moments of Our Lives
The natural impulse of being a human is to get caught up in the planning of the future, the dwelling of the past, and the day-to-day grind of life. It is “easy” to operate from that place.
What these past many years have really ingrained in me is the importance of appreciating the moments of our lives. The moments that we can easily bypass as mundane or inconsequential.
Yet, when we shift our perspective around the value of our everyday moments, we can start living from a place of presence and appreciation.
The first sip of hot, morning coffee, the sound of laughter, eye contact and connection with another human, a moment of quiet and calm in your home, sitting outside and breathing in the sunshine and fresh air, crawling into a cozy bed at the end of a long day, finishing reading a book, a long hug, etc etc…
The human mind loves to churn in what was and what could be, yet, locating ourselves in the present moment and really appreciating things exactly as they are, offers us infinite possibilities into creating a life rich with meaning and purpose.
I especially have noticed this in midst of parenting. I know I'm not the only one who can honestly say that there are a lot of moments in parenting that are unnerving, irritating, overwhelming, and discouraging. Bringing this practice of appreciating moments offers the opportunity to embrace the parenting journey, especially those harder, stickier, and disconnecting moments.
I know for myself when my son is moody and shutdown in his teenage woes it brings out not only concern, but also frustration. Of course, I want him to feel confident, joyful, and connected to purpose, yet, at 16 years of age that is not always possible.
In bringing this practice into parenting him, I am working to soften in those moments, to take a deep breath and stay in my body and heart. Rather than trying to shift him, I am simply working on holding the space for him…something I feel as though we all crave to a degree.
Such a powerful practice to bring into all relationships.
Learning to hold a steady presence with each other and giving permission to be how we are (and allow others to be where they are) in any given moment without trying to change or manipulate our experience, is transformational and deeply healing for the whole.
So, my offering to you this week is perhaps to slow down and find presence in the moments of life. To take those deep breaths, drop your shoulders down your back, soften your heart and open your eyes and ears widely…. and absorb your life.
To nurture a deep appreciation for the everyday, mundane, dense, beautiful, and precious moments woven throughout your life.
Take good care of yourselves and be kind to each other.
As always, if you are struggling, please know that you are not alone.