Wishing

I have been thinking lately about the passage of time and how I spend my time. More specifically, I have been thinking about how to be more mindful and aware in the present so that I don't look back and say to myself "Where did the time go?"

It's a pretty daunting task to try to fill up and really live in each moment. With the seemingly endless winter, I often find myself wishing for summer and warmer days. Wishing for things to be different doesn't change anything, and it often wastes time and energy that I could be using to really do something more productive in the here and now. It is human nature to seek pleasure and try to avoid discomfort and pain...I guess that explains my frequent fantasies about running away and moving to a warmer climate! As much as these thoughts entertain me and allow me to escape briefly...they are ideas that take me out of the present moment and leave me feeling dissatisfied with the present.

I am seeking out my yoga mat as a spot to work on being patient and accepting of what is by enjoying the breath and by trying to let go of my knee jerk response that tells me to try to escape and avoid anything that I deem uncomfortable or unwanted. I do think that yoga helps me to "mellow out" and let go of things that take up time and space in my day. Yoga helps me stay present and more content each time I let go of wishing for circumstances to change.

Today I'll try to be aware of the cold, how the wind feels, noticing the beauty of the sun against the cold blue of the winter sky without trying to change it (I wouldn't have much luck doing that anyway!) and simply accept the gift of this moment in time. I'll try to use my time well and see if I can bring some warmth to myself and to others with a smile or a kind word. Instead of wishing for things to be different, I will work to create moments of peace and joy right now.