Wherever I go, there I am.
Are you totally present right now? Just focused on reading this post?
Or, are you looking at this post while your mind races off in many directions?
That ancient phrase I quoted packs a lot of meaning.
This time of year is flooded with anticipation. But it is often the anticipation that leads to frustration.
We anticipate giving just the right gift that elicits exclamations of joy. We anticipate joyful family gatherings.
But…
The picture of the good, old-fashioned, Griswold family Christmas (from the movie Christmas Vacation) spring into our minds. All the old family bickering comes out as everyone is frustrated by being together. Nothing goes right. The turkey is over cooked.
They are all living in future expectations.
But just to be in the moment. Yes, we have anticipation, but we are present in the now. We experience the lights, the trees, the songs, the one time in the year when people are nice to each other.
As we rush from crowded store to crowded store, frustrated at the inability to be inspired by any gift suggestion.
It’s time to stop, children, what’s that sound….
We stop. Take a deep breath. Actually notice what is around us. Experience the sights, sounds, smells.
Tomorrow will take care of itself. Today I am present.
Tags: experience, mindfulness, pause
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