Being Present

Have you ever arranged a bowl of flowers in the middle of your day, creating a still life of colours and shapes and textures? And it just gives you that sense of peace and quiet. What about a pretty bouquet of flowers or even a single rose in a bud vase? What do you do to soften the edges of your busy life? Do you stop at one point during your busy day of carpools and work and grocery shopping to breathe, meditate, write a poem, say a prayer, make a wish for someone you love and someone you don't even know? What about taking a joy break instead of a coffee break and think of something that truly makes you happy and then let your imagination soar. What do you do to live fully in the moment and be present? What does it mean to be present and not worry about the past or fret about the future, but enjoy this moment right now to the full.
"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts."
Make it a point to stop and see the beauty around you and enjoy every moment-every sunset, sunrise, sunny day, rainy day, starry night. What about the rainbows, they do come you know, and WOW are they ever awesome. Enjoy each flower, and fall leaf that blows into your direction and watch what happens when you get quiet and stay present-give yourself permission to see the infinite possiblities in the present, in right now. Make the most of your present and you will have an even brighter future. If you want to find your bliss, stay quiet and look around at all that you have, breathe, smile and you will recognize that you are there already. Also, when you are fully present with your children, really playing Candyland instead of thinking about all you have to do or should be doing, they feel your presence and that's probably the best present you could ever give them!

Putting love in your heart

I think it's easier to say the nice thing, do the nice thing. A kind word here, a smile to boost someone's confidence, putting love in your heart, instead of unkindness of any kind. So it always shocks me when people don't move from that place. I love the story about the grandfather who tells his grandson after 9/11 that he has two wolves barking inside of him. One is the wolf who moves from a place of anger, bitterness, revenge, and hatred and other wolf moves from a place of love, generosity of spirit, kindheartedness and friendship, forgiveness and peace. The two wolves are fighting inside of him, and the grandson asks, which wolf wins? The grandfather replies, whichever one I choose to feed. Who are you feeding inside of you? Is it the loving, generous and kind person who wants to make the world a better place, who operates from a place of goodness, generosity of spirit and and love, or is it the wolf who operates from a place of ego, and winning and wanting to win at any cost, even if the cost is friendship, or a relationship of value. Remember, making other people feel good and special and loved is so important. Notice how you speak to people. Notice how kind your words are. Notice when there's an edge, or when the intent is all about making yourself feel better at the expense of someone else. Do you reach out to the person who seems to be alone or who is having a hard day, or do you avoid their gaze? How often do you smile at someone and see their whole face light up? How kind are your words and your actions? Don't we all remember the people who have touched our lives by the kind thing they've said or done, that just makes our day? What a wonderful gift you can give your children-the ability to make someone's day a little better, brighter and happier. People like that and I am fortunate to know quite a few-are the happiest people I know. As they say, you can't spread sunshine without getting quite a few rays bouncing right back to you. One of my favourite lines comes from Dr. Wayne Dyer. He says, Perform anonymous acts of kindness, expecting nothing in return, not even a thank you. The universal all-creating spirit responds to acts of kindness with the response: How may I be kind to you? Happy New Year and love to everyone.