In the movie Peaceful Warrior, an injured gymnast Dan regains his health under the spiritual guidance of a mysterious man whom he calls Socrates. In the final scene, Dan is performing his routine in competition, centering himself by focusing his mind on this imagined dialogue:
Socrates: Where are you?
Dan: Here
Socrates: What time is it?
Dan: Now
Socrates: What are you?
Dan: This moment
It’s short and easy to remember. Since watching the movie, I have used this little dialogue when I find myself distracted, spinning off in my head. With each question and answer, I am guided back to the present moment, disengaging from the mental gymnastics that scatter my mind in all directions away from here, now.
It also eases my grip on my ego identity. I am this moment … and this one. Nothing more, nothing less. All in.
I got a new car a few months ago. Like my phone, it is way too smart for me, but I do like some of the safety features. For example, if I’m drifting out of my lane above a certain speed without using my turn signal, the car assumes that I’m not paying attention. The steering wheel vibrates briefly and a light appears on the dash to alert me. In its own way, the car is reminding me to be here, now, in this moment, mindful of my driving.
I’m grateful for these helpful taps on my mental shoulder. Hey, pay attention. Don’t miss your life. This moment is a precious gift, a blessing of infinite grace. Receive it fully, with your whole self. Enter into it with openness, gratitude, wonder. It is a miracle.
Our appointment with life takes place in the present moment. ~Thich Nhat Hanh
Wherever you are, be all there. ~Jim Rohn
Hi Galen! Thanks again for a great reminder. I was thinking today as we were driving through Southern Italy (and making several wrong turns I might add!!) that the gift was right there, right where I was no matter WHERE I was. Still it is so easy no matter where or what you are doing to get pulled away in thought to what “should be”happening or “what I expected to happen” rather than just breathe and be there now. And guess what? We made it to our destination and saw some lovely country. ~Kathy
What a great example of being present and letting go of expectations. I got turned around coming back into town after visiting a friend out in the countryside yesterday. I was on some rural roads without much signage. I decided I didn’t need to be in a hurry, so I just wandered around for a while until I stumbled onto a major road and figured out where I was. Remember that saying, “Not all who wander are lost”? That’s us, Kathy, right?!
I was in the moment yesterday as I watched my 3 year old granddaughter finding great joy in picking up sticks in the back yard and watching doodle bugs crawl on the patio. Nothing else mattered in the moment except watching her and enjoying her experience with her. It is hard in this day and age to not be preoccupied with many things while missing the simple pleasures in life. Good post!
Nothing like a child to fully engage us in the present moment. Sticks and doodle bugs — what could be better?! “And a little child shall lead them.” How true. Thanks for commenting, RCS.
My yoga teacher always says, “Stay with me. Stay in this space,” and she always seems to say that when I am drifting off. It is so easy to be consumed by endless worries and “what-if””s. I am constantly reminding myself to stay present. 🙂
What a great reminder from your yoga teacher. Whatever phrase or word we can use to call ourselves back to the present moment is a helpful tool. Thanks for commenting, Bethany.
Of course you won’t know how many times I write down your words for reflection. These are words that I need to return to.
Thank you Mona! Your comment made my heart smile.
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