Forever and Now: March 31 - April 6

The more I practice mindfulness the more I am convinced the secret to happiness is simply showing up, truly noticing each moment and making the effort to be present to each person. It is all about paying attention during the brightest moments, the darkest day, and all the times in between.

This week a few years ago, my close friend Tom died unexpectedly. I still miss him very much. Tom lived in Chicago but made a point to visit us in DC on holidays and vacations. Tom loved to tell stories, cook, and spend time in the company of friends. He had a big heart. He loved many people and was greatly loved in return. Tom is gone and yet very much a presence in my family.

A wise person once told me, "That which we love, never dies, it just changes form." This truth brings me great comfort. Too many days, I show up distracted. I only pay attention to the people in my life with half an ear. I busily rush from one task to the next. The remedy to living on automatic pilot is simply to stop and pause. Then I am free to show up wholeheartedly. Then I notice the important things like spring flowers and the unspoken pain in another's eyes. It is then that I am most alive.

Practice

Find a quiet spot where you won't be disturbed. Settle in and shift the attention to the breath, the body, the season, and the other important but overlooked gifts of each day. As worries and concerns arise and try to divert your focus, acknowledge them and allow them to pass by in the same way water flows downstream. Just let them go for now.

Call to mind the words, "That which we love, never dies." Maybe place your hand on your heart. In the safety of your heart, do you feel the presence of someone who is dear to you but may no longer be with you in the outer world? Bring their memory into the light of this day. Sit with them again, knowing they still live on in love. Draw comfort from their continued presence. Laugh or cry or just remember. Remain as long as you need.

Return to the day, knowing you are different for having been blessed by love.