Red Roses

It’s been a month now since I came back from holiday. Usually the benefits have worn off by the time the laundry has been done and normal routine re-established. This time though things are different. I’m catching myself noticing things I didn’t see before like the stunning red roses in the neighbour’s garden as I drive off in the morning and the formation of the clouds in the evening sky. The rose bushes are quite mature, yet how come they didn’t enter my line of vision last year?

While on holiday I got into a wonderful habit of relishing the moment, just allowing my senses to soak up whatever I was seeing and hearing at the time. Not to be in my head, distracted by thoughts but to really experience that precious moment. I realized the present - this moment now is actually my entire life as the past and future don’t exist. To really ‘live’ my life I need to place attention fully in the present moment. I’m not ‘living’ my life if my mind is absorbed and lost in memories of the past or plans about the future, both have their place, but they can’t hog centre stage all the time. If I’m living the present moment really well, when I reach that time in the future, it too will get all my attention. It’s a very relaxing approach; I’ve noticed the change in muscle tone especially in my feet. Let’s hope it sticks!