I’m learning that it’s true…there is no “measuring stick” to success, life, or relationships–it’s up to you. I finally feel like I’m breaking through my doubt and anxiety–I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In essence, I’m finding my way to peace. My feelings are all a part of living life, and there is no need to judge them. I would love to quietly acknowledge my worries but recognize that I don’t need to take them very seriously since they are only pessimistic possibilities. Reality is rooted in this moment, and many times it’s so beautiful. It’s good to take things as they come. I am capable of action–of bringing the kindness I show to others to myself. I am capable of trust, especially trust in myself. 🧘🏻♀️
Rooting my presence back to my physical self has been so incredibly calming. The foundation of peace is linked to the agency of now. It’s a natural part of being that I haven’t allowed myself to experience in quite a while. I find myself thinking less of the future and past and realizing that there is so much the world offers in the now…in this moment. The present is here, and with it all kinds of beautiful possibilities become real. Yes, pain can happen, and it has before, but now it holds so much power. I just realized. Rafiki from The Lion King was so right! I think I understand what he meant differently now.
How Did I Not Know About the Now?
It’s funny, as I’m reading The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, there are times I become overwhelmed by the words, not quite understanding them. Many of the things said seemed so paradoxical that my mind would try to dissect and unravel them, but I realized that it almost made it harder to understand. When I surrendered, it made complete sense.
When I was a kid and I had summer reading, I would find my mind would get lost–away from the words of the page. I would be reading every word, but not comprehending it. 🧐Typically, I would have to reread things many times, since I was not 100% present. Over time, I found that if I was immersed in the moment of reading, the pieces somehow placed together nicely in my brain, and it would make sense. This understanding would happen even if I didn’t understand it immediately, word-for-word.
Or when I hear the instructions for a board game, I listen attentively but still don’t understand right away. Somehow, as I go along, it eventually makes sense. I could then really enjoy the game, but for a moment, I had to rely on the trust that it would eventually come together. I don’t have to understand everything at every moment for the present to matter.
It’s ok to ask questions, and it’s ok to troubleshoot. But oftentimes, there is no need to ruminate on any one thought for too long. Forgiving my own ignorance is something I need to do. I’m always learning, and that’s so lovely. Just being is a wonderful thing. There is power and peace in the now. I’m so happy to be reminded of this.
Wow! So much to digest. It’s so beautiful!
Some Topics for Discussion
Do you have difficulty staying in the present? Does the word “mindfulness” feel really foreign to you? Any tips on staying focused on the now? Leave a comment below ⬇️
A Lil’ Disclaimer about comments:
This blog is meant to be a springboard for discussions on some tough topics. It’s so easy to feel alone, but you’re not!
That hurt you feel? Someone knows it, too.
It doesn’t mean your hurt is less important. It means that you’ve got someone out there that is bound to understand. At least a little.
Things can get tricky. Not all people are kind. But most are just trying to survive.
It’s important to honor the nuances in what someone else is going through, too. Your experience is your own.
It’s complicated, yes.
I’m happy to encourage others to share their stories. Like on any other platform, vulnerability comes with risks. Don’t share unless you feel comfortable. You can count on me in the meantime to put it all out there. 😅
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