One lesson I continue to relearn is that I can only experience real joy in the present moment.
When I think about what’s missing from my life that would bring me joy if only I could attain it, I feel sad or frustrated or fearful about what I may never achieve. Future focus almost always brings a mixed bag of positive and negative thoughts and emotions.
On the other hand, when I take a deep breath and settle into the present moment, it’s much easier to appreciate the fullness of this very experience. My senses allow me to see, hear, smell, taste and feel the beauty and bounty of life on Earth – the love and fellowship of family and friends, the vast sky and stars, the rich harvest of food, the spectacular lighting and colors of the seasons, and all that surrounds me that I so often take for granted.
Even when I experience pain in the present moment, there is always an opportunity to find the joy lurking behind it by allowing and acknowledging the hurt or grief rather than trying to hide or avoid it.
My recurring childlike surprise at the power of breathing into and moving through pain to arrive at the joyful moments is a continual reminder of how diligent I must be on my quest for some measure of wisdom. Like an old dog continually learning new tricks, I must accept myself as I am in order to allow the joyful present to gradually replace the discontented future. – AR