All day long, I’ve been thinking about what it takes to really be present.
How much of the time am I truly present?
When my kids say, “Mom, look!” do I actually stop and really see what they are doing?
When I am driving, am I really paying attention to what is happening around me, or am I focused more on the thoughts running through my head?
Am I noticing the flavours and textures of the foods I eat? Do I savour my bites? Do I notice what it is like to chew my food? When I am full, or approaching fullness, do I notice, or do I just keep eating?
When my body has a message for me (like “I’m thirsty” or “I’m tired!”) am I aware of it? Further, do I act accordingly, or submit to the will of my mind instead?
Do I treat “being present” as just another thing that needs to be achieved (perfectly), or do I allow myself to be fully human, and simply notice that this moment presents me with another opportunity to be present?