The Beauty of Impermanence
This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Happiest Place on Earth to celebrate my beautiful mama’s birthday. It’s been almost two years since I’ve been to Disneyland and I can honestly say it was such a magical day. We spent all day doing whatever we felt like doing whether that be eating a delicious (overpriced) churro, riding Pirates of the Caribbean or shopping our hearts out for new Mickey ears and sweatshirts. No schedule or agenda, just a day full of fun and celebration.
As we were all having fun and laughing, it suddenly dawned on me. This is the first time I’ve ever gone to Disneyland without a pass or access as a Cast Member. This means that there was no telling when I would return, which made my heart literally ache. I then mentally started to freak out about all the things I wanted to do, see and get while I was there before I leave indefinitely. My anxiety heightened, I could not focus and my mind was all over the place. After all, we only had a few hours left before the park closed.
Thankfully, I took a step back (physically and mentally) and brought myself to the present. I reminded myself that what I love most about the world and everything in it, is its impermanence. Everything and everyone is always changing. There is so much beauty in things that don’t last, because that’s exactly the point and purpose of life. It is to be enjoyed and not taken for granted. You only live once right? (Yes, I just used the term YOLO, sue me)
My point is that I was having a great time until I thought about the future. The moment I did so, I was only worrying and not having fun at all. By worrying about the past or future we ruin our time in the present. This present moment is all we have, therefore, we should treat as so.
That being said, I know that it can be challenging to not think or worry about the future or past. I am #1 at fault for this most times! Thankfully there are tools we can use to make it easier every time to come back to the present. I use these tools on a daily basis, as they help ground me in the now and what’s in front of me.
Here are four tools to help find your way back to the present:
The Five Senses
There are so many things around you, so use your senses! Using your ability to see, hear, touch, taste and smell, is probably the quickest way to get back to the present. Like right now. What do you hear as you are reading my blog? What do you smell? Are you eating anything, if so, what does your food taste like?Meditation/Breath Work
This is my favorite way to ground myself in the present, because there are so many benefits from meditation and breath work. Even just taking a single deep breath in and out will help tremendously since your brain quickly switches from the task at hand to the breath. It can bring you to the present, calm anxiety and improve your brain health, which is why I love it so much.Hot Tea
Believe it or not, as simple as it sounds, hot tea can most definitely bring you to the present. Without even trying, I find myself calm and focused with a few sips of a warm Chamomile or Lavender tea. It strangely feels like my body is telling me it wants to stop and enjoy the warmth and flavor of the tea, again, signaling my brain to pause. It may even been warm water with lemon for you, or whatever warm liquid gives you a sense of peace and calm.Prayer
This one seems like a given, however, not everyone perceives prayer in this way. Prayer is an excellent way to ground yourself in the present, because what happens when you pray? You generally close your eyes and pause to relay the prayer you are about to give, either silently or verbally. If you are a Christian like me, have a conversation with your Creator, after all He is the one who created ‘the present’.
I hope that after you read this you will find your way back to the present. This life is a precious gift so it is important to soak in every moment and be grateful for what is, instead what was or what is to become.
Have a blessed week everyone.
Love you all and take care.
- MM
