There are seasons and even moments that automatically etch themselves into our memories. The day we graduated high school or college, got married, adopted or gave birth to our first child… other memories are etched in our minds because they are associated with difficulty, challenge or even trauma.
We are hard wired to remember any events which evoke great emotion, happy or sad. They are in there even when we can’t recall all the details.
But what about the mundane? The normal day to day life experiences- work, child rearing, driving around to run errands… how often do we pause to enjoy, appreciate, and savor the small moments?
The moment when your toddler gives you the first flower she picks. The moment when you stop your busyness long enough to take a walk in the park or go on a hike in nature and discover a pristine waterfall.
How often do you stop? Look. Smell. Take in and Savor… a look, a smell, a touch. Allow yourself to be moved by music, or dance in stillness to silence, read a poem, look at a mural, or look up to be in awe of the sky, moon, and galaxy. All the galaxies.
How often do you pause for thankfulness and moments of gratitude? Not just when the calendar says Thanksgiving and it’s in our face and the turkey is in our belly.
When is the last time you appreciated the talent and beauty of a special song? The joy of your faith? The softness and smell of a newborn? When did you last pause to laugh at the snoring of your dog? Enjoy petting and looking at your furry buddy with fresh eyes? Doing an art project with your teenager or just hoofing it around your community to see things with eyes wide opened.
When did you last pick up that guitar to see if you can still play, knit a sweater to see what you can create, read a book to expand your mind, or walk in the rain just to hear the sound of the raindrops crashing onto your raincoat?
What have you been curious about lately? When have you paused to be still?
Or is all of that buried under a heap of hurriedness, stress, strife and misery? Are you numbing your stressed out life away, or savoring it?
We know that life is full of roles and responsibilities. And we know that it passes all too quickly.
I’ve recently spent some beautiful time with my almost 90 year old mother and 85 year old dad who live out of state. Making smoothies together, taking short walks and watching Mom work out gently and patiently while I got my work out in was precious.
I cooked my special quiche for them and made extra for them to enjoy after my departure and my heart is full when I hear how much they enjoyed it.
We talked and worked on our book- the book that asks questions about my parents lives and I get to hear new stories of their history each time I visit. It will be a book I will always treasure.
We had many precious moments together. I am grateful.
Time passes too quickly. Decide today what matters most. Money? Material things? Or making beautiful memories born out of moments of being present and savoring.
Set an intention to make more mindful moments to just be present today. This week and every day. Enjoy your one precious life.
Want to share an experience of mindfulness or savoring precious moments? Reach out to lesli@livewellkitsap.com. Need help to have more mindful moments? Reach out to the many providers and professionals on Live Well Kitsap to help you on your journey of reducing stress, and living in the present. www.livewellkitsap.com/mind-your-health.
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