Being Present
I often hear recommendations to:
‘Live in the present moment’
‘Be present with your family’
‘Stop dwelling on the past or ruminating on the future, and focus on being present’.
Meditation gurus suggest that the goal of meditating is to be present and aware.
I like to think that I’m present. I flow through the world connecting with people, responding to the needs of others, and active each day.
But am I really present? Why is this even important?
Meditation and Mindfulness
Last year my husband started reading about meditation. He regularly came to me with this newly acquired knowledge of techniques and intentions.
I was surprised to realize that I was feeling threatened by his ‘authority’ on the matter. I was the one on a spiritual journey, studying and practicing meditation for several years. Who was he to 'school me'? I was possessive of the entire topic of meditation.
Hello Ego!
I received the gift of this trigger to bring me introspection and growth.
In addition, I found myself in resistance to reading the Headspace book; it had a casual and modern feel. I wanted to believe that all good meditation techniques stemmed from ancient times, wrapped in deep philosophies, and communicated by gurus.
Fast forward a year, and I found myself without a good book to read, antsy to find something. Of course, the Headspace Guide crossed my path again. I decided to give it a chance, and I am so glad that I did!