Relaxation happens when we are aligned and at peace with the present moment as it is unfolding. We are content with how things are and nothing needs to be different than it is.
— Kamini Desai
How many times in life do we get caught up in an event of our past? We relive it, we think of ways to change it, we kick ourselves for how the event did not transpire. How often do we spend time wondering what the future holds? Wondering if we should do this or that, worrying about one thing or another that may occur at some time in the future.
When we live in the past or future, we will never be relaxed or content.
There is nothing that can change the past, no way to predict the future. If we spend all of our time there, we are living in limbo. We are never fully present in our actual lives. Try this- sit still in a quiet place for a few minutes with no distractions. Focus all of your awareness on the space around you. Notice everything you can see in your surroundings. Then close your eyes. Listen to all that you can hear. Notice the sounds of nature, the noises of man-made things- whatever surrounds you. Then listen within. Listen to your breath flowing in and out. Place your hands to your heart and feel life within you. Take as much time as you need to connect with yourself in the moment. Then begin to open your eyes. Take a moment or two before you begin to move about your day to notice your thoughts and emotions.
How did it feel? Please share any thoughts about your own experiences with finding the present moment. Let’s build a community of mindfulness!
On and Off the Yoga Mat 