Passionate Theme of the Day: Witness

The weather matches my mood. 50 degrees, cloudy and raining. Not the cool thunderstorm kinda rain I love, but an ever present slow shower. I find myself a little funky. I tried to shift my focus on what is beautiful about a funky day. As I looked out my car window, I noticed the trees blowing in the wind and it almost looked like a dance. The colors are gorgeous this time of year and I was able to witness the beauty on this gray and cloudy day.

That got me thinking about the ever powerful practice of remaining present and in the here and now. It was a great weekend. Time spent with friends & family, saw a great film, (The Peaceful Warrior, go see it!), excellent dinner at a cool restaurant with a great vibe, fabulous music by Javier Mendoza (my new friend and musical crush, shhh don’t tell Jason Mraz).

So I went out looking for some posts related to focusing our thoughts on the present moment. My friend Kirsten over at the Think Positive blog wrote, It’s 10:00, do you know where your thoughts are?, earlier this summer.

I tend to get really excited about the future and when good things are on the horizon, I focus on the goal. Yet, when we’ve got our “eye on the prize”, doesn’t that rob us of the beauty of this moment as well? Like when fantasizing about future scenarios – be it business, romantic or health & wellness goals.

Then I stumbled across Jennifer at selfcreation.com and she reflected similar thoughts: “What amazed me was the amount of time I was not fully in the present. It seemed like I was always thinking about what was next, or thinking about some event in my past.”

But it’s easy (easier) to stay present when things are going well. When we’re having fun and enjoying our moments consciously. It’s when stuff get a little uncomfortable, irrational, or heated - that things get tricky. I find it challenging when in a disagreement, waiting to hear from a friend or loved one or when curious about news of a promotion, business opportunity or a pending raise.

What’s coming up when we “wonder” harmlessly (is it harmless?) about the future? Doesn’t this sometimes bring up stuff from our past? Like past doubts and insecurities or behavioral patterns we’re trying to change? Don’t we often become afraid, insecure, anxious, agitated, impatient, edgy, cranky, zoned-out, selfish, needy, less confident, low energy? So does wondering about the future, inevitably bring us back to the past?

We then miss ALL that IS happening in our present moment. We’re not as connected to those we’re conversing with. Not savoring the taste of our food. Not hearing the lovely sounds of nature (today – wind, tress, birds, windshield wipers, rain on the window, dogs shaking off rain, footsteps in puddles). Not fully present to those that seek our guidance, light, smile, or positive feedback. We’re not as open to others. We vibrate at a lower frequency, thus don’t attract as many positive opportunities as when we’re fully present and in the moment.

I came across this poem at 43things.com

“Our true home is in the present moment.
To live in the present moment is a miracle.
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment,
to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now,
Peace is all around us-
in the world and in nature-
in our bodies and our spirits
Once we learn to touch this peace,
we will be healed and transformed.
It is not a matter of faith;
it is a matter of practice.”
Thich Nhat Hanh

SO true about the miracles that are available to us in each and every moment if we only open our eyes and witness them. Today I am really in need of my own message! To BE where I AM and not get over-anxious about the future. My here and now is where I AM. As if I needed any further confirmation of this, I found yet another little sign re-affirming the Power of Now. It’s a spiritual message from Osho, the Zen master at cybernoon.com

“Everything is available, has been available always; you have never missed it. But just because of your seeking of the future, of the goal, you cannot look. The truth surrounds you, you exist in it. These trees, these winds blowing, these clouds moving, the sky, you, and I - that is what God is.”

Soooo let’s BE here NOW (Ram Dass knew what he was talking about!). Let’s focus on the gifts we’re given each and every moment. The opportunity to learn, grow, & expand our consciousness and awareness is available to us NOW. Let’s not rush it. Let’s relax and tune-in. Let’s not reflect on days gone by. The past is over and we’re able to write the script new each and every day. The future will take care of itself based on the choices we choose consciously in the present.

What are you witnessing in this moment? What do you do to re-connect with the present?

The present is perfect,
Kam