Whereas on a private retreat, I hiked into Horn Canyon within the east finish of Ojai, California. As a result of extreme drought, it had been years since water had flowed alongside the path there, however now I used to be delighted to cross the creek just a few occasions, leaping from rock to rock.
My thoughts was clear and targeted, taking within the sounds and smells of the path — glistening poison oak, aromatic sage, infinite wildflowers… With the nice and cozy solar on my again, I felt totally alive within the current second. Such a beautiful present to be alive! To be awake!
On the way in which again by way of the canyon, although, my thoughts jumped forward of my physique: it was busy planning out what I might do as quickly as I received again. First a snack, then one other writing session, or perhaps each on the similar time, then a sizzling bathe. And what would I’ve for dinner?
The thoughts can go and go with out us noticing how briskly it’s going, or what course it’s headed in. Then, instantly, a thought jumps out at us, and we journey, or stumble, or burn one thing on the stovetop.
Many minutes would move earlier than I seen this. What number of footsteps did my toes take whereas my thoughts carried me away? And what number of occasions in any given day does this happen, and even in simply a day? And what can convey us again to the current second? How can we return to what’s at hand — the dialog we’re having, the kid in entrance of us, the path we’re strolling?
The thoughts can go and go with out us noticing how briskly it’s going, or what course it’s headed in. Then, instantly, a thought jumps out at us, and we journey, or stumble, or burn one thing on the stovetop. And identical to that we’re reminded to concentrate. That is the place slightly magic occurs.
In that second we will convey our consideration again to our breath. We will reconnect with ourselves, our spirits, and our consciousness of the place we’re — proper right here, proper now.
Three Questions for Coming Again to Now
Thich Nhat Hanh has stated that “the other of forgetfulness is mindfulness. Mindfulness is when you’re really there, thoughts and physique collectively.” With a purpose to get up from my forgetfulness, I ask myself three questions that immediate me to return again to the current second:
1. The place am I?
To seek out the reply to this, I cease. I bodily cease transferring, and if I’m sitting, I rise up. I go searching, find myself. Taking a deep breath, I keep in mind that I’ve a physique.
2. What am I doing?
I take a second to watch precisely what I’m doing, with no filters, and no judgment. Taking a deep breath, I convey consciousness to what I’m doing within the current second.
3. Who am I with?
I ask myself, am I with somebody or am I alone? Who’s speaking? Am I making eye contact? If I’m alone, I contact my arm or leg, look into my very own eyes in a mirror, or shut them and breathe. If I’m with somebody, I take a deep breath and reestablish our connection.
Once I ask myself these questions, I take just a few deep breaths and pause to watch what’s happening in my thoughts. To look at and monitor the thoughts, to see how the thoughts strays, even when the exterior circumstances are pristine for being current, is a chance for transformation. A fast U-turn again to the breath all the time will get me headed in the correct course.
