Living In The Moment

I instruct my yoga students to do it all the time. “Be present.” So lately, I’ve been contemplating why I am so adverse to the concept myself. Especially, when I look at pictures of my kids just one year ago and long to remember them at that age. I thought I was paying attention.

But here’s the problem. Being present with two very small kids is completely exhausting. To be truthful, you have no choice. They force you to be more present than ever before. With their “I wants” and fights that need breaking up, and seat belts that need buckling, and noses that need wiping, and shoes that need putting on or taking off, and food that needs making then three minutes later cleaning up, and TV shows that need turning on, and books that need reading, and baths that need to happen and stinky diapers and/or bottoms that need cleaning.

Add to that a dog, if you will, who wants to go out now and come back in, also now, and who stands on your feet or scrambles to get right in front of you all the three minutes in between. Apart of course from the times she’s barking incessantly at whatever UPS driver she imagines might be coming to your door at that moment, reality or not.

Those are the moments I’m living in. And I’m sure for at least some of you, those are the moments you are now living in too.

So I’ve decided to start giving myself permission to escape mentally every now and again. Just slip right out that emergency exit door. Forget living in every moment; I’m going to take some time enjoying living in other moments. Moments when I was physically free-er and mentally sharper. Moments when I had to create things to do with all the hours in my day. Moments when no one was asking me to do a thing. Nada. I might even live in some moments that never even happened.

And here’s the kicker: I’m not going to feel guilty about it. As your personal yoga instructor, I give you permission to do the same.

You’re welcome.