NOW

It is so easy for me to become preoccupied with my plans and goals. So focused on making them happen. I seem to have forgotten a very important step along the way. The process. Enjoying the process and not just impatiently going through the motions to get to the next step. A very dear friend of mine pointed this out to me the other day, as dear friends do... The importance of enjoying the now and living in the moment.

I've started reading the book "The Power of Now" ~ by Ecckart Tolle, who teaches that "Wherever you are, be there totally." "Always say 'yes' to the present moment... Surrender to what is. Say 'yes' to life - and see how life starts suddenly to start working for you rather than against you." So I am opening myself up to this, saying yes to life and trying to be more present in it. I am really trying to pause at times and reset myself. Slowing down is important. Breathing, feeling and really seeing what is around us. I feel like this is a return to where we started, a more natural state. Before we got all bogged down with life and clouded by the many expectations and voices. Too much thinking!

I find this state easily while painting, and maybe that's why it really resonates with me. I would like to be able to continue this into my everyday life, slowing down and really appreciating the moment. The moment is all there is. I don't want to miss it by always looking ahead!  Especially when there is so much overlooked beauty in these missed moments.