About a week ago, I celebrated the Equinox. I use the term “celebrated” loosely, as I did little more than make a nice dinner. Those who know me know I’m a sucker for the Solstices. My friend Nicole calls me the Solstice Queen: one of my favorite nicknames.
I’m also a fan of the spring Equinox, but ever since I can remember I’ve been kinda anti-Fall. I find ways to enjoy it, like I love the word Autumn, so I try and call it that. Happy Autumn! But that’s as much excitement as this gal can muster.
This is a problem, because I start craving the winter Solstice right around Autumn. I’m wishing away an entire quarter of a year every year. This just won’t do.
I’m starting to think that I don’t like things to end slowly. I hated the last few months before high school graduation: Could it just get here already? I about lost it the month before I moved to California, as my apartment was slowly emptying itself. All I wanted to do was jump on that plane.
My problem? I can’t stand the calm before the storm. Letting something happen organically isn’t my strong suit. I want to push it to happen, which is probably why patience has never been my virtue. I don’t think I’m alone here. Many of us are pushing, pulling and otherwise trying to control our situations, as if we know best.
The solution has been staring me in the face for the past few months every morning: Be present. Be mindful. Live in the moment.
Life is a gift. Be present for it.
This is a more elusive beast than balance, which eluded me for years. I’ve still just barely got that dragon by the tail. Mindfulness? That’s my unicorn.
I’ve found the only way to fully live in the present is to be kind: kind to myself, kind to others, kind when speaking, kind when listening. As soon as judgment toward myself or others enters the ring, mindfulness exits quietly, letting the former get on its soapbox with all sorts of fanfare.
This is a newer quest for me, but a noble one nonetheless. I’m hoping to enjoy every moment of this beautiful season. Do you have any suggestions? How do you stay present? What tricks help you live in the moment?
