Often we are called to do – to chase, to report, to finish, to drive, to succeed, to move. But undiscovered magic in each moment rests in the stillness of that moment, in what is sitting right within you, waiting to be remembered. If you are too busy, if your life is too noisy for you to hear the wisdom of each moment, an entire lifetime will slip past without you realizing what is right in front of you.
It is so easy to forget about the value of life as it is. In this mad DO-ing, we are conditioned to believe that things should always be somehow different than they are.
If you have ever dropped into a mindful moment and looked around, or if you have ever had a deep sense of gratitude for your life, you understand the sense of wellbeing, ease, and magic that this perspective can bring.
If you’ve not been so fortunate, allow me to encourage you to discover at least one of these precious moments in your next week.
This type of being requires you to find the courage to stay with this moment. It isn’t always easy nor blissful. Nor is it a practice that feels natural at first, at least for most of us busy-bodies. It takes courage, a deep knowing and trust that flames the fire of determination, to let things be as they are.
Think of this encouragement as stepping IN to your COURAGE. Allow yourself to find this moment, that ease of breath that occurs when you let it be, and the wisdom that emerges to direct you in what to do (or how to be) in the next moment.
Here are a few practices to try:
- When you feel an emotion arising that threatens to take you out of this moment (anger is a perfect example), close your eyes and focus all of your thoughts on your breath. Stay with that focus until you feel the grip of the emotion lessening. (This does not mean ignoring what is going on. It is placing you in the wisdom of the moment instead of the confusion of the emotion. From this place, you will be able to make a more compassionate response to the situation.)
- In the midst of one of your doing-sessions, just pause. Push your chair away from the computer, or pull the car off on a side road. Set a timer for 5 minutes, and simply breathe and notice during that time. Look out a window, scan your body to see what you are feeling, nourish yourself with pure attention. (And try not to let thoughts of returning to your Doing interrupt you. A 5-minute break isn’t going to make everything fall apart.)
- Share a smile (in the mirror with yourself, or with a stranger or friend). Really feel the energy of the smile as you bring it onto your face. Let your eyes smile along with your lips, and let your heart follow suite. For just the few moments of that smile, feel the ease of what is.
….Namaste.
About Lisa Renee Wilson
I am honored to be your host for this journey! I am an Awareness Artist who shares her world work through Being Breath (www.BeingBreath.com). As a parent, artist, contemplative, meditator, yoga practitioner, introvert, runner, blogger, photographer, and iced-chai addict, I practice the art of mindful awareness throughout all of my daily activities. From playing with perspectives to playing in paint, no moments are off limits for exploration.
You can learn more about me over at BeingBreath.com, connect over on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter, or just stay tuned to hear insightfully honest stories right here at Bliss Habits!
Beautiful reminder, Lisa, thank you!
You are welcome – thanks January!!
Thank you Lisa. This sounds so peaceful – I’m definitely going to give it a try! xxx