Being in the here and now
November 28th, 2009 by info
So much of our time, energy, and thinking involve an assortment of ways to avoid the present. For instance, how much time do you invest in thinking about the future from what you will be doing later today, to your next vacation, your next purchase, and how much energy do you invest in the past? This can range from reviewing past mistakes, replaying scenes from days gone by, wishful thinking about what could have happened. Why do we avoid the present, or the here and now? The key root of here and now living is summoning to fears, and truths about our very nature. When we live in the present we can’t hide behind tomorrows, or yesterdays, and we must dig in deep to awaken to how we feel in the moment. This is where some of our fears live. Fears of loneliness, nothingness, abandonment, inadequacies, etc. Try making your fears your companions, or at best, passing visitors. Imagine being present focused with the intent of allowing bits of the world around you to come into your space. Below is a poem I wrote while being here and now.
Meandering streams, sinking in mud squished pools
on trails winding through woods
I hear a call from a meadow between trees
where fields sew together soils hugging grass and leaves
Misty wisps of golden strands taper to crusty ground
draping silken lashes on a crisp November morn
Milkweed faces gaily reach for my soft gloved hand
while releasing awaiting new seeds to be born
A chorus calls me tranquilizing my breath
loosening my hurried pace
Drinking tastes of clover, mint and mullein
weathered by the sparkling frost lace
I relinquish the day to discover anew
meadow uniting gifts of nature wrapped
in a symmetry of browns, whites, greens and blues
Softly, I yield to this symphonic grace and kneel
to the beauty among the milkweed face
Honoring your life in the present tense places a sacred stamp on being in the world as if you really matter. Catch yourself as you drift off in conversations about the past and future, and know that they too have a place in the fabric of your life. Being in the present requires a greater demand as you monitor your part in the many roles that you play. Try bringing the present to all your encounters with other people and see what happens when you shift the focus to the here and now. Explore time alone in nature and experience what nature teaches you. In my poem the awe of milkweeds showed me their close companionship and symphony of sound. There are so many parts yearning to be awakened. Let the present begin! Blessings on your journey, Kathy