Melissa Ann Goodwin

Melissa Ann Goodwin

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Staying Present

I'm in New England now, and it's snowing out. My neices are in school and my sister and brother-in-law have gone to work, so I have their lovely home to myself. I brought in a bunch of wood so that there would be a good supply of dry wood, and then I took a walk.

Walking in the snow is such a peaceful, healing thing to do. Somehow everything seems quieter when it snows. Now I'm sitting in a comfy chair in the living room, feet up on the hassock and a cozy blanket covering my legs. I've got a nice fire going in the hearth, gentle music playing and a hot cuppa coffee by my side.

A Facebook friend shared this article and I wanted to pass it on to you. It's about our tendency to allow worries about imagined future events to steal our present joy. The author expresses it so beautifully and compassionately. This is something I've struggled with a lot this year, as I sometimes allowed my fears about the future impose on my enjoyment of the present. It's something I've consciously worked on - and continue to work on, and it was nice to have someone else express the experience and feelings out loud so the rest can remember that we are not alone in our challenges. Here's the link to the article: NYT Article

While you read it, I'm going to stare out the window at the falling snow, listen to the music, enjoy the warmth of the fire, and try to stay with just the experience of those things, in this moment, now.

11 comments:

  1. That sounds perfect. I love the snow. But in UK it either doesn't last or turns to freezing sludge and becomes treacherous. But this post is definitely lacking photos!

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    1. I know! I'll see if I can get some pictures on here!

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  2. Hi Melissa-

    So nice to catch up with you after so long. I've had the note about your blog on my desk for many months, and having recently left a job, finally had time to look it up. Today's post and the linked article were very timely for me! Enjoy the snow and think about sending some our way.
    Warmly,
    Bonney

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    1. Hi Bonney, I'm glad the timing was just right. Nice to catch up with you too.
      Melissa

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  3. What a lovely setting you've shared with us, Melissa. And thank you for sharing the article, too. I'm always living in my plans for the future, working from one big event to the next. I often have to remind myself to refocus back into the now.

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    1. Hello lovely Kai! I've been thinking of you. Staying in the NOW is not easy for anyone, except maybe the Dalai Lama. The mind can conjure up such dramas for the future, most of which never come to pass...

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  4. I hope we get snow this year, but preferably not so much it makes it hard to drive my wife to the hospital for the twins to be delivered! :-)

    Staying in the moment is one of my mantras. Dwelling on future worry only blinds you to the good things all around, and causes you to miss opportunities for further happiness.

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    1. Paul, that's so true. You are always an inspiration to me with your attitude. And twins??? Yeeha!

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  5. Thanks Karen - I did, and I will :)

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  6. The scene you painted is so beautiful. I can picture the snow and the peace and quiet. I love days like that.:)
    ~Jess

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  7. Hi Jess - thank you :) I look forward to a day like that tomorrow too!

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