Most of us are on a quest to expand ourselves in a myriad of ways. For some this is the pursuit of goals to acquire certain objects, achieve professional dreams, see or do specific things, and… For me much to my family’s chagrin my expansion has always revolved around the becoming of my human spirit, living and breathing that which I am and expressing to all that our interactions cause a ripple effect.

Today’s post steps away from the sharing of “what is happening” to reflect on how I walk this path. After many years of practice I have gradually let go of the taught way of “going after life”, the goal sheet, the steps to get there, the tally sheet of accomplishments and the list goes on. We all know that there are a plethora of books, videos, workshops, etc.., out there to teach you how to become that amazing leader possessing all you could ever dream of – on another book shelf in a different section there are books that take a peak into something I find priceless – BEING PRESENT in all our moments. This way of living graces the natural blossoming of our lives.

I was reflecting on this the other day as I harvested herbs at the farm. Absorbing the smells of sage, tarragon, and thyme I listened to the song of the nearby quail and killdeer. On my skin I welcomed the sweet caress of a subtle breeze and the warmth of the sun as the day awakened. Taking in a deep breath, I sunk into the pure bliss of the moment, everything stood still in the complete expansion of this space. Then a little chuckle arose within me, for an answer to a reoccurring agitating question swirled up to greet me. I had been searching and exploring why I did not “fit in” or why people found my way of living life “frustrating” – Ta-Da the answer leaped forth – I live my life being present, in complete surrender, open to the possibilities that might show up, accepting of the curve balls that life throws at me, peaceful, content, and joyful in what is, what can be, and what was…. I live in complete awareness and understanding that all I can impact and experience is this present moment and the next, and the next.

Life’s curve balls had begun to teach me the true magic of living this way. Day by day I got better at being in all my moments, knowing that I could not change what was, but how I lived in the NOW impacted that awesome next moment. The gifts of living this way are immeasurable! Every soul can feel if you are truly present or not. Test it out if you do not believe me. Just know that this will require you to shut off your mind chatter, completely set aside your technological devices, look into their eyes, turn on your ears, and open your heart as you breathe quietly in and out. Do this with a child and all will calm down, with a stranger you will feel a connection that will surprise you, with someone you love dearly you will feel the space between you become a divine bubble of interwoven flow.

I find that most people are only half way present, the other half is thinking about what they “should” be doing, what they plan to do, where they are going, how they can accomplish a specific goal, or they are still replaying something that happened earlier which upset them, or…the list really does go on and on. Have you had those lunch dates where the person or people you are with are constantly checking their phone, maybe even texting someone as they pretend to be engaged in your conversation? What about the family meal around the television? Gotta love the restaurants that have twenty televisions, no distraction there, right? When I went back to university to finally finish my forever degree I was shocked by how many students would sit in class emailing or internet searching on their computers while they also responded to text messages on their phones. First and foremost I was blown away by this disrespectful behavior, second I could not understand how you learn when your attention is so divided and third I wondered how it must feel to be so many places at once – never really completely present in any one of them.

Do not misunderstand me, for I am certainly guilty of being distracted at times, or carrying forth an unsettling conversation/event- however I energetically pay attention to where my thoughts are; noticing if I am consciously embracing the gifts of this time and place. To be completely present one must learn how to listen, I mean truly listen with all of your being. There is a magic that unfolds when you are in the NOW with all of you, it is as though time stands still and each NOW has a vibrancy of its own. You will notice the twinkle in the eyes of the person you are with, you will feel the breeze that before you did not notice, you will hear with clarity what another is truly trying to express, and you will feel the rest of the world and its busy-ness fall away. True grace!

I am a person with BIG dreams that I daily step towards – however I cannot imagine missing all the miracles that each moment allows me to experience along the way! I truly encourage you to try it out – it will take practice for our busy, crazy, chaotic world likes to keep you distracted. As you embrace this way of living you will be blown away by the deepening of your relationships and the intensity of joy available in all your moments!! Until the next post I wish you very full PRESENT moments!

As a side note – please know that all the pictures posted come from our personal gallery!!