I recently felt fully present at concert. I was with so many other people but when the entire crowd sung the same song together it made me feel fully present and one with everyone. It was delicious and gave me goosebumps or god bumps as my friend calls them.
On Sunday while on a very long scenic hike along the coast. My friend is teaching me some simple photography with his old camera and really enjoyed it especially seeing how the pictures came out. Was a beautiful sunny day and I truly needed a little vitamin D and some Awe moments.
Singing. Specifically, singing with our church choir. When we are making music together, we are as one. It is the closest I have come to experiencing the “unity of all creation.” I am blessed to be able to experience this.
In 1986, I had the rare opportunity of traveling around the USA with a dance and martial arts troop from the fRanganiketan Dance School in India. I gave a brief speech presentation on the young artists coming from other cultures while
we traveled across the USA in front of my college class.
Last night when I went outside to gaze at the full moon. She was so bright, so big, my breath was literally taken away. I felt giddy with joy & delight. And as a bonus, there was Venus over my shoulder twinkling. I felt so blessed & appreciative of the moment.
Recently, it was during a party with kindred dear friends, where during listening to dance music, something inside fell still and presence was there instead. It allowed to realize compensation strategies, own and also those of some fellow friends who were with me, which in fact would rather create distance instead of closeness. Through this, way opened to transform us, which is on its way now as to being together in heart and with this, be truly present. The situation and the inner state allowed to see as well as to be seen without judgement, just being there in trust and loving kindness. Leaving from there with clear mind, humble and grateful for such meeting with kind and loving friendship of kindred hearts.
Just yesterday, I visited tw/o family Elders in the same long term care facilities. One is receiving hospice care. As I spoke the words, “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death” (Hail Mary),I heard and saw his faint whispered “Yes.” A privilege to witness this. The other relative lives in a memory care unit. Her sharings with me spanned decades of her life mixed with illusions. I made no corrections, and let her be. I let them both Be their reflection of God’s Grace
I have moments of being present
quite often. As recently as last night,
making dinner with my wife. Even
though we are both slightly under the
weather, we really enjoyed ourselves,
talked about a range of things, and
noticed the full moon rising.
It was a very simple, but pleasurable
evening. I felt aware in the moment,
that I was right there, not distracted,
and fully engaged.
I was fortunate to have a work meeting take me to Washington, DC, with a flight schedule that gave me time to spend part of a day at museums on the National Mall. I went to the Lincoln Memorial, full of people, and read the words carved on the walls–the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural speech–and looked at that giant statue of a man who did the best he could in extraordinary, trying times. From there I walked to the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial and read his words. The sun sparkled on the water, the breeze ruffled the leaves (past cherry blossom season but still a few petals).
Yesterday morning, I brought my tea to our porch and I stood and listened to hear the birds singing. I was able to see a few flying about – but the chorous was beautiful. I heard at least nine birds (identified by an app from Cornell “Merlin”). It was beautiful, the sun was shining and there was a breeze blowing. This morning, it is quiet, clouds are hainging above and rain is in the air. But also a good time to be grounded and grateful.
Hauling a trailer load of steers 175 miles to Winter Livestock Auction Monday 4/3 from our home in the San Luis Valley to the Arkansas Valley . It was a full load and a mountain crossing name La Veta Pass must be crossed along with strong winds going and coming. I reminded myself before and throughout the journey to stay in the present while driving with that load of animals. Livestock pulls differently because they are well, live! It was a much less monkey minded trip with the help of staying in the now and not worrying about what could be, i.e. catastrophizing in my mind. I asked that monkey to come out of the tree and to sit in my lap. He was much better company that way!
Joseph your words: “I asked that monkey to come out of the tree and to sit in my lap. He was much better company that way!” Such helpful words. They will not be forgotten. Thank you.
“I asked that monkey to come out of the tree and to sit in my lap. He was much better company that way! ” Very helpful image which I plan to try. Thanks, Joseph!!
I try to find moments to be present throughout the day — a brief pause to breathe mindfully at work, pausing my walk to watch the ducks, geese and heron on the lake, refraining from automatic responses in a conversation so that I can focus fully on the other person.
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I recently felt fully present at concert. I was with so many other people but when the entire crowd sung the same song together it made me feel fully present and one with everyone. It was delicious and gave me goosebumps or god bumps as my friend calls them.
On Sunday while on a very long scenic hike along the coast. My friend is teaching me some simple photography with his old camera and really enjoyed it especially seeing how the pictures came out. Was a beautiful sunny day and I truly needed a little vitamin D and some Awe moments.
It is those little moments, like noticing the breeze through the leaves of a tree or noticing a cloud drift by.
A nice visual Don.
Singing. Specifically, singing with our church choir. When we are making music together, we are as one. It is the closest I have come to experiencing the “unity of all creation.” I am blessed to be able to experience this.
In 1986, I had the rare opportunity of traveling around the USA with a dance and martial arts troop from the fRanganiketan Dance School in India. I gave a brief speech presentation on the young artists coming from other cultures while
we traveled across the USA in front of my college class.
Last night when I went outside to gaze at the full moon. She was so bright, so big, my breath was literally taken away. I felt giddy with joy & delight. And as a bonus, there was Venus over my shoulder twinkling. I felt so blessed & appreciative of the moment.
‘when the moon hits your eye like a big piece of pie that’s amore’ I hum that in my head sometimes when I see that big ol beautiful full moon 🙂
Recently, it was during a party with kindred dear friends, where during listening to dance music, something inside fell still and presence was there instead. It allowed to realize compensation strategies, own and also those of some fellow friends who were with me, which in fact would rather create distance instead of closeness. Through this, way opened to transform us, which is on its way now as to being together in heart and with this, be truly present. The situation and the inner state allowed to see as well as to be seen without judgement, just being there in trust and loving kindness. Leaving from there with clear mind, humble and grateful for such meeting with kind and loving friendship of kindred hearts.
Just yesterday, I visited tw/o family Elders in the same long term care facilities. One is receiving hospice care. As I spoke the words, “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death” (Hail Mary),I heard and saw his faint whispered “Yes.” A privilege to witness this. The other relative lives in a memory care unit. Her sharings with me spanned decades of her life mixed with illusions. I made no corrections, and let her be. I let them both Be their reflection of God’s Grace
I have moments of being present
quite often. As recently as last night,
making dinner with my wife. Even
though we are both slightly under the
weather, we really enjoyed ourselves,
talked about a range of things, and
noticed the full moon rising.
It was a very simple, but pleasurable
evening. I felt aware in the moment,
that I was right there, not distracted,
and fully engaged.
I can’t say that I have ever been fully present.
I was fortunate to have a work meeting take me to Washington, DC, with a flight schedule that gave me time to spend part of a day at museums on the National Mall. I went to the Lincoln Memorial, full of people, and read the words carved on the walls–the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural speech–and looked at that giant statue of a man who did the best he could in extraordinary, trying times. From there I walked to the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial and read his words. The sun sparkled on the water, the breeze ruffled the leaves (past cherry blossom season but still a few petals).
I listened to a person tell the story of how she found her birth father.
Bing present while listening can
be a challenge, but such a gift.
Yesterday morning, I brought my tea to our porch and I stood and listened to hear the birds singing. I was able to see a few flying about – but the chorous was beautiful. I heard at least nine birds (identified by an app from Cornell “Merlin”). It was beautiful, the sun was shining and there was a breeze blowing. This morning, it is quiet, clouds are hainging above and rain is in the air. But also a good time to be grounded and grateful.
Hauling a trailer load of steers 175 miles to Winter Livestock Auction Monday 4/3 from our home in the San Luis Valley to the Arkansas Valley . It was a full load and a mountain crossing name La Veta Pass must be crossed along with strong winds going and coming. I reminded myself before and throughout the journey to stay in the present while driving with that load of animals. Livestock pulls differently because they are well, live! It was a much less monkey minded trip with the help of staying in the now and not worrying about what could be, i.e. catastrophizing in my mind. I asked that monkey to come out of the tree and to sit in my lap. He was much better company that way!
great visual of that monkey, lol glad your trip went well.
Joseph your words: “I asked that monkey to come out of the tree and to sit in my lap. He was much better company that way!” Such helpful words. They will not be forgotten. Thank you.
“I asked that monkey to come out of the tree and to sit in my lap. He was much better company that way! ” Very helpful image which I plan to try. Thanks, Joseph!!
I try to find moments to be present throughout the day — a brief pause to breathe mindfully at work, pausing my walk to watch the ducks, geese and heron on the lake, refraining from automatic responses in a conversation so that I can focus fully on the other person.