Live your life in the moment...a sweet escape.

One of my all time favourite quotes, and a memory of the piece of art in the hallway of Chris' cottage. This might be perhaps one of the simplest theories in life that just might be the hardest to actually live.  I can say I've made progress :).  Recent dates and days have confirmed this for me.  When I first returned to yoga I heard the expression "be on your mat". I thought I understood that...it was many months later before I felt what it was to be truly present on my mat.  It's one of those things in life that you can't explain, but anyone who has been there can nod their head and say "I know" in the most convincing tone.  I think finding presence in your every day life is very much the same.

I met a friend for a 10 km run yesterday.  We ran by the water, struggled through our first 2 km, but by the 6th km we had hit our run all day pace.  The sun was shining, there were people everywhere feeling the same sense of release that we were.  I took inventory...a deep breath told me my lungs were clear and healthy, my legs were solid, steady and strong.  My heart was beating at a controlled but elevated pace, the sun stung my cheeks, but there was no way around the permanent smile that curled my lips from ear to ear.  The perfect way to start a day and weekend.  There was no planning, no expectation, no phone calls, no Internet, nothing... Just the music in my ears, a good friend beside me, the sun on my face and the rhythmic beat of my feet on the concrete.

I committed my day to seeing my sister who just completed her phD and moved home. I was overflowing with pride the second I saw her.  A small pang of empathy for the major life changes she was about to endure in her transition, nonetheless the weather was perfect and we wee shopping for the perfect interview outfits. Mom joined us. We sat for lunch on a patio around 2:30pm, deciding what to do next.  It occurred to me in that moment, it didn't matter, I had no timeline for the day. I was with the people I planned to be with and couldn't be happier.  We shared the silly laughs the three of us know too well in our own little world.  My sister and I pulled pranks on mom, and in her usual spirit she laughed and poked fun at herself.  No one seemed to exist beyond the bubble that surrounded the three of us.  The day flowed seamlessly from one activity to the next. We were in our flow.

This was an incredible day and weekend.  After a few days of heavy thought the escape to the moment was much welcomed. These escapes are becoming a regular thing. I noticed especially as David tried to plan so far ahead that I was resisting it. Although he didn't see it, he reminded me so much of myself in recent years. Even just a few months back, when I was trying to understand it all, figure it out, make my plan.  When I finally hit helpless, I surrendered to the moment.  All is not forgotten, but I realize I only have what is in front of me to enjoy.  Although the moments of sadness still come when I look ahead, I can more easily find my way back to now.  I have many friends who remind me of this lesson when they are living out their own fears of what may or may not happen.

The only words I can share, and repeat to myself in the same situation... In this moment, I am healthy, safe and happy, there is nothing to worry about.  Smile, keep moving...

Live your life in the moment...