A few days ago I took a walk to a nearby lake. After being so busy for over a week, it felt so good to be back outside, surrounded by beautiful nature, which always helps me get grounded and feel at peace. Feeling the gentle breeze on my face and the rays of sunshine caressing my cheeks felt rejuvenating. The sound of the birds chirping, especially a little robin I saw sitting on a tree branch, put a big smile on my face. I paused and admired the robin’s beauty for a few seconds until it briskly took a flight to another tree. Hearing the bees buzzing in the background and seeing the colourful butterflies flying and landing on one flower and then on another, felt harmonious and tranquil.
As I got to the lake, there were two swans swimming in the distance, as well as coots, shovelers and many other beautiful birds in the water, as well as flying above. Just standing there at the shore and observing everything that was happening around me made me fully present in the moment, the only place where life truly exists. There were no worries, no concerns, no upsets, just a feeling of serenity. My mind was calm and my soul was at peace. There was nothing I needed. I just stood there and appreciated the spectacular scenery right in front of me and around me. And this is the beauty of being present in the moment. We all need this from time to time. We all need time out from the busyness of life, to switch off and just be in the ‘right here-right now’.
Being fully present in the current moment and letting go of our worries is a wonderful way to be. And this doesn’t only have to be the case when you are spending time in nature. Being present can mean being fully immersed in a creative project, being fully present in a conversation with a friend or a loved one, meditating, exercising, reading a book or enjoying a lovely meal. The idea is to be fully present in the NOW.
So on the way back home, I noticed a squirrel climbing a tree and after it reached almost the top of it, it jumped across to another tree. Looking up at the squirrel, the warm rays of sunlight peeking through the branches were caressing my face again. I felt happy and so grateful for this gift I have given to myself, a gift to be fully present. When I got home I felt rejuvenated, feeling calm in my mind and a peace in my soul.