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Passionate about Living in the Present Moment
By Connie Pombo
Have you ever noticed how your
mind dwells on the past or the future? You may be in the middle of a
conversation with a friend or with your children, and your attention
falls back to the errands you still haven’t finished or the disagreement
you had with your friend. Your mind is not focused on the present
moment.
I was reminded of that today while talking to a friend going through a
health crisis. She was pouring out her heart to me—terrified of the
future—and I was thinking of a writing deadline that I missed. When I
catch myself in moments like that I say to myself:
Stop.
Listen.
Breathe.
If I’m alone and no one is listening—I say it out loud! If I’m in a
conversation or in a room full of people, I say it to myself. That
simple act draws me back into the present moment—the place where we all
need to live our lives: “Yesterday is gone, tomorrow’s not here yet, we
only have the present moment—that’s why it’s called a gift.”
A cancer diagnosis 10 years ago, taught me the importance of “living in
the present moment” only because my mind was racing to the future with
“what if’s.” Recently while I was “listening” to a dear friend pour out
her health concerns, I realized her fears were mine—ten years ago. I was
flashing back in time instead of being engaged in the present moment
with her.
My advice to her was simple. Stop. Listen. Breathe. (Repeat as often as
necessary!) At first it’s hard work—especially if you’re going through a
major health crisis. But with practice, it becomes easier and you are
immediately drawn back into the gift of living in the moment.
It was three weeks after I was diagnosed with cancer that I realized I
had control over what I chose to think about. It was up to me to decide
what went into my mind and what actually stayed there.
One afternoon while I was grocery shopping, some horrible thoughts
entered my head and I said out loud, “Stop!” I don’t have to tell you
that more than a few shopping carts bumped into each other! Since then
I’ve learned to quietly “mouth” the words. In the beginning, it was just
plain hard work to make my brain connect with my new way of thinking.
Enjoy the moment while it’s here: the warm sun splashing rays on the
water, a kitten curled up on your lap, the sound of the leaves rustling
in the wind, a tender kiss, a warm embrace, a look, a glance . . . a
smile. Be fully present for your friends, for your family, for those in
need.
Be aware that every precious moment is a gift and a miracle when you
practice “living in the present moment.”
Ways to Connect: Take five-minute life appreciation breaks, where
you are “present” with your surroundings—even if you are defrosting the
refrigerator or washing dishes. Fully enjoy the normal tasks you do.
This morning, I played in the bubbles that the dish soap made! Be aware
of the simple wonders of the here and now.
Inspirational Thought: In the present, every day is a
miracle —James Gould Cozzens
Connie is the founder of
Women’s Mentoring Ministries, and she is passionate about sharing with
others the importance of connecting the body, mind and soul together as
one. She writes, “The concept of spirit-filled living has become a way
of life for me—like breathing. It’s my desire that you learn to live
each day fully and passionately for the rest of your life.”
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