Being Present

I've been reading a lot lately about being present to what you have, feeling grateful and being in the moment of your life; rather than living in past regrets or worrying about future outcomes. Loving yourself and loving the body that you are in and being the best person you can be, despite the obstacles. Choosing to be kind. A year or so ago I completed a Happiness project at my work place and whilst I was doing that I started trying to connect more with the here and now. The first thing I tried was to walk from my car to my office, engaging my my senses, to notice what  was going on around me; rather than thinking about the to do list,  the domestic environment I had come from,  the drive or even something just heard on the radio.

In the space of a quieter mind I actually became aware of the birds singing in the trees around me and the feeling of the wind on my cheeks. I noticed the smell of the pines and the sights of the garden. I climbed the steps with purpose and I acknowledged the people I passed. 

We do have a choice. We can quiet the troubled mind. We can be present to and accepting of the heartbreaks, the body aches, the sadness and the joy. In the world where everything is moving faster, where we find ourselves multitasking and not doing anything with a lot of intention; where we are swamped by emails, social media and advertising; there is relief in the silence. Quietness and meditation, presence and purpose.
  There is a Zen saying, "Before Enlightenment chop wood carry water, after Enlightenment, chop wood carry water."
 Continue to do exactly what you are doing just be there.   
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