My dogs often remind me to be in the moment.
Last spring, I took a yoga class for the first time. I have practiced the poses before, but never actually attended a class. I found it fascinating. The entire focus was on being in the moment and learning to appreciate something most of us take for granted, breathing.
Sometimes we keep ourselves so busy, that we are never in the moment, always focusing on being a couple of steps ahead of where we are. It would never occur to us to think about our breathing. I thought about that class for most of the summer.
My dog reminded me when we were sitting on the porch together. She hits me with her foot when she wants me to pet her. I was checking my e-mail on my phone and she hit me with her foot. I tried asking her to give me a minute, but she was insistent. I remembered the class and I put the phone down.
She and I were both more content as we took in the sound and scenery around us without distraction and appreciated the present.
Later in the summer, when I was struck with a very painful case of shingles, I found myself drawn out to the porch again. Every movement brought about searing pain, even breathing. I definitely found myself in the present. It was all I could focus on.
As I sat there in the coolness of that Sunday morning, remaining very still, I found myself asking God what it was He wanted me to learn from my illness. Although it was excruciating, I knew it wouldn’t last long. My dog snuggled a little closer as if wanting to comfort me, this time not taking, but giving.
I think the answer was not taking a single breath for granted, because each one is a Divine gift. The Bible tells us, that God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Breathing is important. Maybe we sometimes forget how important. Being in the moment is important. Learning to appreciate where we are and the people we are with right now, is also important because we may never pass this way again.
Learning to be still and honoring that truth, fills our heart and souls and honors our Maker.
A yoga class, my dog and a case of shingles, reminded me. Perhaps you needed reminding too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂