One Moment at a Time
As we turn the calendar to September I suddenly feel the race to the end of the year. Does anyone else feel that way, too? I have a heightened awareness of everything on the horizon for the next few months: soon the leaves will change color, soon it will be cold, soon it will be Halloween, soon we'll need heavier layers, soon it will be Thanksgiving, soon it will be winter, etc.
Right here and right now,
I'm reminding myself to pause and reconnect to this present moment.
This is how the mind works. We mentally time travel to the past, where we enjoy some sweet memories or try to work through a difficult moment. We also mentally time travel to the future, noting what's on the horizon and possibly feeling a sense of excitement, overwhelm, or any possible emotion for what the future holds. Mindfulness invites us to awaken to the present moment with a sense of curiosity - recognize that the mind wanders and then compassionately bringing awareness back to the present.
When we notice that our thoughts are dwelling on the past or launching into the future, we can offer ourselves kindness and redirect our attention to this precious, present moment.
How can we bring our awareness back to what's happening right here, right now? I find that checking in with the senses is an invitation to the present moment. With kind curiosity noticing what it looks like as I slowly turn my head from left to right. Noticing colors, patterns, shapes, movement, or people in real time. Are there any sensations on the skin? Am I hot or cold? Is the tag in my shirt itchy? What sounds are present - perhaps the sound of a fan, people singing, or cars rushing past. Is there a smell in the air? Is there a taste in my mouth? As I pause to notice through the senses I'm no longer ruminating on the past or projecting into the future.
Here is the invitation: notice the present moment through the senses.
We may also notice that, similar to building strength and stamina when we exercise regularly, the more often we notice the present moment, the less time we spend in the past or future. We build stronger attention spans for the present moment. We remain present longer.
I'd love to hear what you notice.
Hit reply and share.
Warmly,
Julia
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Meditation: Awareness of the Senses
