Joy of Now

One of the things I seem to be re-learning anew this week, is how wonderful life is, if you allow yourself to truly live in the now. I've stated in an earlier post some time ago the fact that now is all we really have. The past is gone, out of your hands, and it's not worth it to re-hash, obsess, hold grudges or let it take anymore control of you. The future never happens. When we are so obsessed with the future, we miss NOW. We look so much to the future, that when it becomes "now" we judge it, grouse about it, and find fault. Our "now" was yesterday's future. To truly enjoy the future, you have to enjoy the "now".

Think of your favorite treat. Do you savour every morsel and bite? Let it melt in your mouth, fully feel the texture of it? Think of how much pleasure you gave yourself as you forgot about everything and just totally gave yourself over to the enjoyment. That's what it's like to truly live in "now". For example, when driving in the mountains today, I'm driving through areas I routinely see as I commute to the different students I work with. However, today I made sure to really "look" at the view, to empty my head of thoughts, worry, routine, and just savour the visual treats before me. The visual treats of my normally routine trip, left me in awe, and my mind reeling as I took in the sights, really took them in. The other day, I drove home from the office, and I felt joy as I saw two young boys enjoying themselves while they walked home, saw the sweetness of a father walking with his toddler son. I was realizing how sweet so many of these moments really were, in my glances as I passed them.


All of this appreciation for "now" isn't coming out of the blue. It's no accident that I've been listening to Eckhart Tolle's audio book called "The Power of Now" as I drove this week. I'm not necessarily recommending it to anyone, as I know some people will be closed off to it, feeling like maybe it doesn't fit in with their "spiritual" views. However, I feel that so much of what he has to say can teach us how to live our best life. I love to feel myself continue to be transformed by this very personal journey I'm on. The feeling of joy I feel as I truly focus on "now" is one I don't ever want to lose. I'm sure, being human, I will forget what I'm learning many times, and have to re-learn the lessons. It seems so many of life's simple lessons are easiest forgotten. I wish you all joy.