Savor the Moment

The path is the goal.  Our ever present journey and our focus on it binds us to it. We are fully present in our now if we are not carrying past hurts, unforgiveness, anger, regret and so forth...Sometimes even the happiness we’ve enjoyed in the past prevents us from full immersion in our now. Haven’t you ever met someone who is obsessed with youthful memories and the joy they experienced “back in the day”? They talk about it and repeat the same stories to delirium. While we all reminisce, we must be careful not to slip into a “good old days” mentality because it masks the beauty of today and compromises our focus. It deludes us into thinking the best of life is behind us and our journey ahead may not be as impactful, powerful or fun filled.  Dwelling, talking, thinking and living in the past prohibits full immersion in Now, which is the only time we really have. Memories are great, they’re a source of much joy providing there is no imbalanced attachment to them. In romanticizing past experience a much dimmer present moment can emerge, dispelling the magic of now as we look back and remember, sometimes inaccurately, hoping to recreate old feelings of contentment and happiness.   

When successful achievements, fulfilled goals, marriages, births and various celebrated times are at hand we invest ourselves wholeheartedly. We soak up each moment, taking photos, making videos capturing and sharing as much of the joyous event as possible. Is it because our silent  belief  that “normal everyday life” awaits us on the flip side of this joy filled fun moment?  Are we secretly afraid that life is hard and boring and mundane or are we willing to challenge and change our perspective touting today as our best day ever even if it appears to be the same as yesterday?  Can we look for something special to embrace and enjoy making our daily grind more of a adventure than just more of the same? Ask yourself  “ if today were my last day how important would every thing great and small be?”.  Would we drink in each breath, bathe in each moment  with appreciation and love of life ? I think we would.  

For 40 years I have borne witness to someone who savors life. He is true enjoyer of the moment, one who spends very little time looking back or finding criticism in anything. He  prepares for the future with a carefree trust that all things will come at the right time and be exactly what we need. He lives in a place of the heart that knows all things work for good no matter how amazing or bleak they seem in this moment. Admittedly I have been a slow learner. I have tried to impose my sense of urgency regarding every conceivable area of life encouraging him to accomplish tasks, fulfill desires and arrive at destinations more rapidly. Unwaivered by my push, he has remained steadfast and I realize now that living with him has provided me with the great life lesson of how I can  become more aligned with my now.   I am forever grateful that my husband never gave in, never changed what he knew to be his truth and power. He is unaffected by the way everyone, including me, rushes through life and misses the small moments of joy that flow freely throughout the Universe.  Clearly I have been the misguided one, racing between this or that,  speeding through my days just to end and begin again, forfeiting enjoyment as a result.  I have learned to enjoy life’s simple things like a hot drink on a cold day,  yummy food nourishing my body, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the moon and stars, winter weather and other aspects of life that I’ve taken for granted. I even work, do chores and errands with an attitude of gratitude and appreciation more consistently and when I find myself dissatisfied and distracted I begin again. I embrace family, friends and even strangers that cross my path in a new way and am more open to give and receive love.  I am learning to harness my now, and empower myself on my path with its joys and sorrows. I am learning to feel the freedom of knowing that whatever is happening in my life right now is working for my higher purpose and good. I know that I am enough just as I am, I am a work in progress and there is nothing more liberating that one can know about self. .. 

Empowering Tip of the Day:   Make today something special by viewing your daily routine as a gift and a treasure. Most of us have the ability to hop out of bed and ready ourselves for the day with ease.  Exercise appreciation for these small tasks for there are many among us who are less fortunate, struggling with pain and restrictions, yet they find reason to smile and enjoy life anyway. Take time to look around, there is always something beautiful to behold, carry it with you and release the things that bring your spirit down. There is only today... live it to the full....  

The decision is ultimately ours to live in Pity or Power... what will it be? We can only be in one. 

Life is a journey, not a destination. 

Feel free to post your questions and comments. I look forward to hearing from you. Remember we are all on this journey growing and learning as we go, so your input will bring enlightenment to many. 

In Power, Peace & Love, 

Mary Ann

Make Today Great..... .