Monday, December 31, 2012

Timing


Revelations occur at strange times.

Last night I was having a lovely, unexpected dinner with my husband, my son and his fiancĂ© and my daughter and her husband. I was practicing my “being present” mantra from my previous post. We have been at the beach at Kiawah Island for several days for our yearly, holiday get-together. We had planned to have dinner in Charleston at a place we have been many times, good food but kind of a tourist trap. At the last minute, we opted for a new place. The food was wonderful, the atmosphere golden, the wine, conversation and laughter flowed.

I tell you all this because during the course of the conversation the question of timing came up. It had to do with how and why each of us had met our mates. Each couple had a story about the perfect timing of their meeting. Any earlier or later in our lives, would have been too soon or too late. It made me realize that synchronicity may not be just a new-age buzz-word. There may be some Universal Truth at work. I believe that some events are random. I think. But there is indefatigable proof in my mind that there are other forces, be they spiritual or molecular, or both, at work. Furthermore I am convinced that this conversation would not have occurred at the other restaurant. Hmmmm….

So this brings me to my friend Connie’s blog: LOOSE LEMONS. She and a group of friends choose a “word” every year to represent what they want their journey to be for that year. I have been pondering. It seemed a rather significant and overwhelming choice. But now I have it. I confess I have two “phrases” rather than words. Hope that’s okay. First, practice really “being present”. Appreciate the wonder of now. Second be aware of the splendor of “timing”. I’ve given myself a tall order as they say. I’ll let you know how I do.

Happiest of New Years to Everyone.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Being Present


We are in that sweet spot of the holidays between Hannukah or Christmas and New Year’s Day. Time slows down. All the frantic shopping for a tree, gifts, wrapping paper, various accoutrement, baking supplies, groceries has culminated in gift-giving, feasting and celebrations.

Somewhere between -when all the dishes are done and the leftovers are stored safely in containers, the tablecloth and napkins washed and ironed and put away for next year –and- the anticipation of a champagne-fizzled New Year -lies a pocket of time. Christmas-POCKET- New Year’s.

If I could give you a gift, it would be an appreciation of this time. A breath. A sigh. It seems as human beings we are always in a state of either reminiscing about the past or anticipation for the future. I’ve read it again and again from all the master gurus and philosophers, but I’m just beginning to process it. Now is it. This is all we really have. The rest is memory or speculation. Be present in your now. We have the gift of being the observer. I am trying to use it.

Some of my present. My daughter’s face. It fills me with joy. Every time I see it. Every time. My grown son’s little boy cackle. He makes me laugh like no one else. Sitting and looking at the ocean, holding a cup of coffee, my husband beside me.  When I look, I am trying to really see. When I breathe, I am trying to feel the breath.

This is just one moment. One pocket of time that will make memory. My sweet spot.

What are you doing right now? Make it sweet.