Press Pause & Enjoy this Moment

It’s in our nature to try to figure things out, to figure out the purpose and meaning of something, to have a thing figured out and perfected before we fully dive in and commit to it or present it to the world. But this only serves as a block. A block that prevents us from fully enjoying our experience because it pulls us away from the present moment and into our head. Instead of experiencing the fullness and richness of the current moment, we become preoccupied with trying to put the puzzle pieces together to see the finished product rather than enjoying the process moment by moment.

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For the rest of this season (and on), let’s commit to savoring each moment, and allowing ourselves to experience all of the colors and textures of our experiences. Let’s commit to feeling the fullness and depth of whatever is that we are doing whether it’s enjoying a meal, being in nature, talking with a friend, working on a project, or ordering a coffee at your favorite coffee shop. Let’s experience the moment as it is without thinking about what’s to come of it, what’s next or what it’s going to lead to. Let’s practice pressing pause on whatever else is going on in our lives, our to-do lists, and just be in the moment. Fully present, fully feeling, fully sensing.

Today’s practice: Experience this moment with your five senses. What sounds are you hearing? What scent is the most potent? If this moment had a flavor, what would it taste like, or what do you currently taste? What color or object stands out to you the most right now? How does this moment feel in your body? Tune into your senses and allow yourself to truly relax into this moment.

The Practice

image source: Unsplash

image source: Unsplash

There will be many times throughout our life that the ocean we are swimming in (the world) will feel stormy and uneasy. Having a practice or tool that anchors and grounds us is essential particularly during turbulent moments.  These anchors (tools) serve as a way for us to come back to ourselves. They bring us inward to a place where we can begin to settle and ease our body and mind. They grant us peace and comfort, and allow us to access these states whenever we need them most.

The particular tools and anchors we use will vary from person to person, and will also vary day to day, but two tools that are always available to us, and that I consider my foundation, are breath and meditation. Meditation is giving yourself the much needed time and space to be with whatever is coming up for you. It’s a designated time to shut off the noise of the world and go inward. It’s a place within where you can find peace and comfort even if it’s just for a few moments. Meditation allows you to recalibrate, reconnect, re-center and ground yourself into the present moment. It’s like an energetic cleanse. It gets rid of the excess weight you’re carrying and leaves you feeling lighter. 

Today’s Practice: I invite you to try a one to three minute meditation. Set a timer on your phone and play some calming music or sit in silence if you prefer. Before you begin, set an intention for how you want to feel (the energy you desire to be in whether it’s love, peace, joy, etc.) and consciously be in that feeling for the duration of your meditation. Or gently be with whatever emotions and feelings are coming up for you at this time and let them move through you as you hold them with compassion.