Live In Front of You

He tripped over the cord and fell because he was looking too far ahead instead of where his feet were.  Ever do this?  It is not unusual.  People tend to look at what is coming next not what is currently happening in front of them.  Most falls happen because a person is not paying attention nor focusing on where their feet are and what is around them.  The focus is on where they are going not on where they currently are.

 This is true not only physically but mentally and emotionally.  You focus on what comes next and rarely enjoy where you are.  You planned weeks ago to do what you are now experiencing, but you are focused on what comes next instead of enjoying what you are doing.  You never truly live and enjoy what you have planned because you are always planning what comes next in your head.  You spend all your energy and time preparing and planning but never living and enjoying what you planned.

 You become preoccupied with worry about what is in the distance, so you never engage in the present. You go on a vacation you have planned and looked forward to for months, maybe even years.  You are constantly thinking about what comes next and never slow yourself down to be present in the moment and enjoy who and what is around you.  You come home disappointed.

 When you are in the moment both mentally and physically, you have acquired the art of living in the present.  You are living and enjoying life in front of you.  What prevents you from enjoying the moments of life?  Usually anxiety and worry consume you – always worrying about what comes next and anxious what might happen.  No wonder life seems overwhelming, exhausting, and lacking joy and fulfillment. You are either making plans or anxious about what could happen and how you will deal with it.

Take a deep breath right now.  Look down at your feet.  Where are you and where are your thoughts?  This is a healthy way to slow yourself down and to learn to be present.  Look at your feet and listen to your thoughts.  Bring those thoughts back to the now.  It is wonderful to daydream when you relax on your porch or in your comfortable space but do not add worry and anxiety to those carefree thoughts of daydreaming.

Look around you and ground yourself in your space.  Go to events, worship, interact with your family and friends, try new adventures, and engage in the situations around you.  Listen, participate, share, try new experiences, and step your whole self and your thoughts into the moment.  Find good in it.  Allow yourself to engage and not escape into worry and isolation.  If anxiety begins to creep in, look up and breathe in the moment.  When you look up, the only thing you see is what God has made and you just breathe in the Spirit.

Take steps to daily live in the moments and not think about what comes next.  All you have is today – find meaning in moments.

Elaine J. Sturtz

Living In The Different