Capturing Now May 31, 2024
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Life Balance, Mindfulness.trackback
NOW is not elusive
Neither does it demand attention
It is ever present even when we are “miles away” “lost in thought”
NOW pays no mind to our monkey mind as it flitters and flutters about
We live it . . . or we miss it
Chasing after it will accomplish naught
We lose the present NOW by mourning the passage of previous NOWS
Capturing NOW is a bit like pinning a wave to the sand
It cannot be contained or restrained
NOW, like the tides of time, flows without ceasing
Capturing NOW requires our presence
Being present as the present presents itself is magical
Letting go of each moment as it arises and recedes allows life to flow forward with ease
An infinite stream that can only be experienced NOW
So . . .
Where does that leave us?
Here. Now.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Spirit Lights The Way 
Enjoying it now!
Kate, I thought of you while writing this ~> how you grabbed the opportunity to relax on the deck this week . . . to enjoy the NOW with gratitude.
I’ve been trying to live in the now for a couple of years now Nancy, and now I’d like to think I’ve missed far fewer nows than I did in the past. Living in the moment isn’t always easy, but to me it is always worth it.🙂
That’s great, Bruce. And I agree . . . it is worth it!
With so many distractions competing for attention, it’s easy to get pulled out of the NOW by thoughts that linger longer than ideal.
When I catch myself, I tap into my senses to connect with the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations that abound as each moment unfolds into the next.
A great time to practice? Meal time. Really tasting our food and savoring each morsel.
Man, you’re right. It was NOW when I started reading this post, but now that now is no longer now. Even the now that was now when I first started typing this comment is not now now.
I need an Advil.
NOW ~> That perpetual, ephemeral, and invisible companion that tugs the edges of consciousness, encouraging us to stop and smell the roses, feel the kiss of the breeze, and drink deep from the flagon of life.
Craving an Old Fashioned NOW.
Sounds like just the thing to get the weekend party started!
TGIF!
I think most of us are either dwelling on the past or fretting over the future. We should all simply appreciate the now.
Enjoying a good meal (or an adult beverage in a carefully constructed barn bar) is a great way to plug into the now.
Let the past recede.
Let the future wait.
Be here now.
Happy Friday, Rivergirl!
It’s the only thing, here and now. And it just keeps moving on.
Yes! Ever present and every changing . . . always there, yet never the same. As constant as the sun, moon, and tides.
Have a great weekend, Nicki.
The illusive NOW. Trying to focus on it, it slips through one’s fingers all the time.
Yes. As we follow our thoughts down one rabbit hole after another, we tend to lose our sense of place, time, and self.
Until we return to the NOW by focusing on a direct sensory experience ~> taste, touch, aromas, melodies.
And then another thought arises and we give chase . . . all over again.
The windmills of our minds . . .
Caught in the ‘windmills.’ Yes, I can relate. Our breath is our greatest instrument to still the monkey mind. Deep, slow, full breaths. Do they help you, too?
The breath is always with me as an anchor. So it’s convenient. But anything that allows me to step fully back into my body and focus on present experiences in “real time” works for me.
It could be the feel of my fingers typing on the keyboard . . . or the weight of my coffee mug as I lift it for a sip . . . or the aroma of the biscuits as they emerge from the oven . . . or the feel of the sand underneath my bare feet as I walk on the beach . . . or the cry of the gulls overhead . . . or the feel of the wind in my hair.
Have a wonderful weekend overflowing with mindful moments that fill you with inner peace and happiness!
I think you have explained a crucial point. Rather than be distracted by other sounds and stimuli, they can serve as a useful reminder to come back to the breath!
The breath is an excellent anchor during meditation, but ALL my senses help to anchor me to the NOW as I move through my day . . .
Sensations arise as I chop wood, carry water, peel carrots, take a shower, take a sip of cool water, prepare a meal, etc.
Focusing my awareness on those sensations in real time gives my brain a much needed break from endless rumination about what I did yesterday or what I plan to do tomorrow.
When I pay attention to what is happening right here, right now, I stop judging everything as good/bad, right/wrong and focus on things as they are, allowing inner peace, joy, contentment, and gratitude to surface.
I notice the color of carrots, the aroma of roses, the sandiness or sand, the wetness of water . . . and it’s all good!
Being focused on the NOW helps to recharge my batteries.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Now you’re talking! Love to hear your voice Nancy❣️
Thanks, Val!
Clever wordplay. I’m saying that now! Of course by the time you read this it’ll have been said then… 🤔
I hear you, Ms. Bean . . . no, wait, I heard you. 😀
Glad to see you are back. I checked for a while. So glad I checked again!
Thanks, LM! I do plan to write for SLTW from time to time . . . especially when SPIRIT moves me. 😀