How many times have you stopped whatever it is you were doing, thinking, or saying because you had a flashback to your past, be it either good, bad, or somewhere in between? I can honestly state that about half of my life, conservatively, has been spent with my mind elsewhere instead of in the present moment. However, are you aware that it is like a thief in the night, robbing you down to the depths of your soul? We ruminate about what could have been, what should not have happened, etc., almost always from a negative viewpoint. Because that moment, that memory is gone…even if it was just a second ago or perhaps years long gone. The emotions generated from this can hurt as much or more than they did at that time. The only difference is that you are no longer in the present moment, reacting to your current reality. Would it occur that it is a true waste of time and energy? Worse yet, it is bringing it forward into your present so you experience it over and over again in the current timeframe!

One can read about mindfulness (a/k/a this moment which is passing right now…being aware of the place I am in, what I can see, how I feel, looking for beauty , awe, and wonderment at this second in time) but it never arrives for so many people who are over-stressed, tired, and so aware of the many items that consume their waking time…and sometimes even their sleep. Outside influences command our every moment like a runaway train until we fall into bed at night.

Livingness can indeed be recaptured one breath at a time. Stop movement. Use your senses to see, hear, and taste your reality. Take just seconds to look for something special in your surroundings.

By breath, I do not mean that stressed out, upper chest breath. I am talking about the belly breath that expands outwards and comes inwards, pressing towards your back, slowly. It does indeed create miracles!

Are you in need of a miracle to change your life? It is your choice. Look for a class in yoga or any of the ideas that are out there to assist you in living a more creative reality, happier, handling stress better, able to respond more appropriately to anything that comes up in your daily occurrences. It is there for the asking. Are you willing?

God’s blessings on your journey! Have a great 4th of July!