This past week has been a beautiful reminder of what it means to live more in the moment.
I’m teaching a six-week mindfulness class, and we’ve been exploring simple ways to be more present throughout the day. Not just sitting in meditation, but noticing how our bodies feel, how experiences affect us, and what happens when we slow down enough to really pay attention.
I’m noticing how this practice is affecting me, too. I’m more attuned to things I might normally do on autopilot, the ebb and flow of my feelings, and just how much can happen in a single day.
I’m also noticing how good it feels to appreciate the little things, including talking to my car. I’m sure I’m not the only one who does this, right?
When I bought her two years ago, I named her Freedom because she takes me wherever I want to go. I like to thank her for keeping me safe, appreciate her beauty, and tell her how much I enjoy keeping her clean.
This week, I noticed how these little moments of appreciation for Freedom brought happiness and warmth to my heart.
And there were so many other meaningful moments throughout my week.
A fun chat with the grocery store cashier who I’ve gotten to know over the years. My delicious morning smoothie. Pulling on my favourite cozy sweatshirt. Jumping on the trampoline with my two great-nephews. Being so silly and giggling out loud with them.
And time with my mom, who is 94 and whom I adore. We always end our visits holding hands and praying together. I get down on my knees so I can look up at her in her chair. Listening to her words and sharing that quiet moment is something I treasure.
And yet, not every moment of being present felt comfortable this week.
Some of the feelings I experienced were tender and difficult. Rather than pushing them away, I made room for them, too.
This felt especially real on Saturday, when I attended the funeral of a woman who passed away at just 52. Paula was such a bright light, a kind and loving person who truly lived life to the fullest.
Her two daughters, both in their early twenties, spoke about their relationship with their mom. Their words touched me deeply, and I carried those tender feelings with me throughout the day.
Later, I joined a lovely gathering in the country hosted by Leigh Shand. We sat around a fire, exploring the meaning of fall and the changes this season brings. Leigh has such a beautiful, natural way of creating sacred space and sharing her wisdom and connection to nature.
Being surrounded by this circle of women felt so comforting. There was room for the tenderness I was carrying, and I didn't need to push it away or try to feel differently.
By the time I drove home, I felt a deep sense of peace. I rolled down the windows, felt the fresh air, and cranked the tunes.
It reminded me that being present doesn't mean we always feel happy or peaceful. Sometimes we feel sadness, sometimes joy, sometimes tenderness. And sometimes, we experience all of these in a single day.
What matters is allowing ourselves to be here for it all.
I also noticed how good it feels to do things that nourish my soul, ground me, and connect me to life.
I ended the weekend with a beautiful hike in Warbler Woods with my friend Michele and her adorable dog, Bruno. Fresh air, watching leaves gently float to the ground, and good company. So grateful.
Every moment is new and fresh. Not one breath is quite the same as the last. Everything is continually changing and unfolding.
Remembering this feels freeing. Less time lost in worries about the future or thoughts about the past, and more time experiencing the life that is right here.
We don't need to create a special moment or wait for something extraordinary.
When we are present, the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
In a shared prayer. A conversation. A favourite sweatshirt. Or a moment of gratitude for the car that carries us safely through our days.
We just need to pause long enough to notice.
And being present also means honouring the moments of tenderness that arise within us.
Rather than judging our feelings or wishing they were different, we can offer them the same attention and kindness we give to the things that bring us joy.
Making space for all of our experiences is part of the practice, too. It's one way we cultivate a deeper sense of self-love.
I look forward to seeing, feeling, and experiencing what this week ahead brings.
Will you join me?
With love,
Diane