Connecting With the Present Moment

Dear Reader,

Last weekend, my wife and I took advantage of the sun that came before the deluge, and went for a drive across the border to North Conway, New Hampshire. It was an adventure, to enjoy the mountains, the scenery and the shops in an area we both love.

I was driving. We were enjoying a deep blue sky, the vivid greenery of summer, and good conversation.

At some point, I began to think ahead – to what we could do when we arrived in North Conway and to the different shops we could visit that would extend this joyful feeling.

In the middle of all that mental projection into the future, I noticed something.

I noticed a hollow, empty feeling in my chest. That full, peaceful joyous present feeling was gone, and I felt myself chasing something I would never be able to catch. It was tinged with a little sadness.

I thought to myself, “Ugh. No good.”

I returned to the present moment, by focusing on the sensations of my breathing, the feeling of the steering wheel in my hands, and the sight of the beautiful trees and land we were driving through.

I felt full again.

I stayed with that present moment awareness – wouldn’t you?

I stayed with it for the rest of the drive to North Conway, and allowed my share of our joint experience to unfold from that place of present moment awareness – including the moment when Louise said, “Oh look, a strawberry festival!” That comment, and my own shift in perspective, set the tone for a lovely, spontaneous, relaxed adventure.

Can you relate? Are there times when you catch yourself trying to escape the present moment, and gently guide yourself back? I hope so dear reader!

Simply being present can open up the whole world.

I honor your loving heart,

John