The “Small Stuff” Can Help You Become Present in a Big Way
I love the smell of that first cup of morning coffee when I pull the mug up to my lips for the first sip. I like too, the feel of the old leather bound journal I’m using. It inspires me every time I pick it up. And, when I see the smallest of the small love notes, a tiny heart surrounded by “I love you mom” scrawled by a six-year-old’s hand I feel that I’ll explode with gratitude.
These are the small things. These are the things that we should be noticing. This is where life is.
Course, as the saying implies, we shouldn’t “sweat the small stuff.” Worry is worth nothing. But, when we can notice all those little details – become aware of them – we become present to our life.
This is an active state. Worry is when we are stuck in what-iffing. Wondering what might happen, stressing about hypotheticals. Stalled.
But, when you are present to the moment, really in it, aware of the details and sensations, you aren’t worrying about what might happen. You don’t have time, you are too engaged by what is happening. You are fully alive.
Imagine, all the energy you would have to handle what is happening now if you stopped worrying about what might happen later.
Noticing the small stuff is a way to become present to what is and release the stress of what might be. Not only does life become bolder this way – really, when you are “in the now” as modern-day-sage’s call this state — the way you physically experience your environment is brighter, richer, more vivid.
On Wednesday, I’ll suggest some practices to help you step into the present moment. For now, just start by noticing the details that make up your life.
