How many times do you have to be reminded to be present?

This morning, I was in the middle of my usual daily ritual that I’ve developed during the pandemic: sip a thick mug of hot coffee under a blanket on the couch while I read a book, preferably a memoir, before I do anything else. I was finishing the memoir Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved, by Kate Bowler. The books was good, but not my favorite – I appreciated the messaging and delicate bits of wisdom that comes with dying more than I appreciated the style of writing or the structure of the chapters.

But somehow I notice I’m multi-tasking. I’m reading, I’m absorbing, yes. I’m sipping, waking up. But also at the edge of my mind is a slew of questions and considerations: When will I work out today? Will I go for a run, and how far? Or will I lift instead? Am I feeling energized for yoga later? I should sign on for work soon, and maybe take a shower.

Then I read these words: “I failed to love what was present and decided to love what was possible instead.”

This kind of interruption happens again, after work. I’m feeling irritated about a family thing and my mind is jumping all over the place. But I’m also trying to internally talk down my frustration while walking the dog through a church field near our neighborhood. The tall grass bites my sweatpants.

Then I look down at the cardboard cylinder from Maisie’s poop bag canister in my hand. It has these words wrapped around it in green print: “Enjoy every moment.”

It stalls my footsteps. Holy shit – I’m not paying attention to where I am or what I’m doing right now. 

This morning, I was caught up with what was ahead, even though I was actively participating in my book and coffee on the couch in that moment.

This afternoon, I was caught up with what was behind, even though I was actively walking forward and holding the dog’s leash and feeling the grass bite my sweatpants.

How many times do you have to be reminded to be present? How many ways?

There’s so much peace in a moment – this moment – if you allow yourself to be in it. Feel it.

Enjoy it.

Love it.