“The Beauty Of Being Present In The Small Moments”

This is one of those things that is easier said than done, especially when you are overwhelmed. However, when you are overwhelmed is also one of the most important times to find ways to be present in the small moments. Going through times in life that involve a high amount of stress and anxiety can be very hard on the body. Your nervous system is working over-time to try and regulate and your body is fighting to give you important cues, often at a time when you might not be getting enough sleep or eating regularly. It is generally not realistic to be able to create a zen space to hang out in or to stick to a regular mediation practice (although, if you can, I support both of those things). So, it comes down to trying to be present in and notice the small moments as they come along.

The Beauty Of Being Present In The Small Moments, Rain Into Rainbows LLC

               These small moments that can feel serene, if you notice them and let them, and they often come along when you aren’t expecting it. Noticing an extraordinarily beautiful sunset in the rearview mirror as you are driving home and then taking a moment to get out of your car and gaze at it once you are parked. Savoring the warmth of your coffee or tea mug in your hands and stopping to really enjoy taking a drink before just automatically diving into your list of boxes to check off. Closing your eyes and taking a deep breath while you are in the shower and appreciating the way the warm water feels as it runs down your body. These small moments may feel insignificant, but they add up in a way that helps your nervous system to get a break and that helps to inspire a sense of hope and the energy to keep moving forward.

               I had a recent, unexpected moment like this where I forced myself to just be present and to enjoy it. I was out of state in a camp-like setting. I was sleep deprived and nervous about an event I was about to attend. I was walking around the grounds killing time before I could check into my cabin. My mind was spinning around trying to predict what the event would be like, how I wanted to handle certain things, and wondering whether it had even been a good idea to come or not. All of a sudden, I noticed movement off to the side of the path. I looked over and a brown, furry creature was eating clover. I am used to marmots and prairie dogs in Colorado, but this was different. It kind of looked like one of those, crossed with a beaver. I just stood there watching it for a while. My mind tried to jump back to being anxious, but I forced myself to take a breath and to focus on the furry creature in front of me. It ignored me and just kept chomping on clover. I asked it, “Are you my spirit animal?,” and it whirled around and looked straight at me. Now, it was probably squaring up to me in a self-protective way, but I took the eye contact to be a “yes.” Its attempt at intimidation did not work. There was a wooden chair nearby, so I slowly walked over and sat down. I quietly hung out with my little spirit animal while it blissfully ate clover. I chuckled to myself at the little unexpected moment I was having. Eventually, a staff member walked by and I asked what the creature was. They said, “That’s a groundhog,” and looked at me like I was kind of crazy. I later learned that groundhogs are everywhere in the area I was visiting, but whatever, I still decided the encounter was special. And although, it felt like it took effort at first to force myself to try and be present in the moment, the longer I sat there, the easier it became. I could actually feel my body starting to relax. I also noticed little birds hopping around in some nearby bushes and the perfect temperature in the air. My thoughts shifted from all of the swirling “what ifs” to reminding myself that I was open to whatever the event turned out to be like and remembering to trust myself. I walked away from my little 15 minute encounter with the groundhog feeling more grounded in myself and a little lighter.

               So, whether your unexpected moment involves a groundhog, savoring a piece of special chocolate, or seeing a rainbow in the sky after a storm, slow down and take a moment to force yourself to be a little more present. Don’t worry if stressful thoughts immediately try to worm their way back in, just notice that and pull yourself back to the mini moment of peace that you are experiencing. Trust me, your nervous system will thank you, and your tank of resilience, hope, and the energy to keep moving forward will get a little injection of fuel.

               And next time you see a little unexpected creature in your path, say “Hi” to it from me. And take a moment to be present with it. Who knows? Maybe it’s your spirit animal.