Present
Moment
“Zen
does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while one is
peeling potatoes. Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes.”
Alan Watts
How difficult is it for
you to live in the present moment? This is one of the ways I believe
extroverts have an advantage—they think and process verbally in the
moment, sometimes realizing things for the first time as they're
speaking. There's an aha! moment in which they may say, “I didn't
know I felt that way until I heard myself say it.” On the other
hand, introverts (like me) spend a lot of time pondering, processing
within, exploring the possibilities, before actually figuring out
what they think or feel. Sometimes, for days. It's hard to be solidly
in the moment when your brain is doing speculative research.
There is always the
possibility for both personality types to become so engrossed in
themselves and their own process that they lose sight of what's right
before their eyes. That's why it's important to consciously build in
opportunities for “now-ness.” Set aside time to practice being in
the present moment, to focus your attention, and be mindful of
exactly what's before you. If you're peeling potatoes, just peel
potatoes. Watch the skins fall away exposing the white or pink flesh
beneath. Take a walk and be aware of how each footstep contacts the
ground beneath. Yesterday, I noticed that the crepe myrtles are
shedding their outer bark and the skin beneath is smooth and red. But
that red skin is only found in the crepe myrtles that have white
blooms. The magenta and lavender blooming trees have lighter, browner
skin—interesting. When your mind is uncluttered with musings about
self, you notice details you would otherwise miss.
Alan Watts said, “I
realized that the past and future are real illusions, that they exist
in the present, which is what there is and all there is.” Make
an effort today to spend time practicing presence. When distractions
arise, gently bring your focus back to what is right before you in
the moment. Live each moment of this day as though it is precious
beyond measure—because it is.
In the Spirit,
Jane
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