Be Present

What does it mean to 'be present?'

You know how your mind usually goes a million miles a minute? The 'I'm doing this thing... but thinking about the next?'  Buddhists call this 'The Monkey Mind.'  In yoga - we try to release the monkey mind and come into the 'center.'

Through breath - and quite honestly - practice and training... we begin to still the mind.  To me, that doesn't mean 'being without any thought.'  It means 'directed thoughts.'  Maybe one phrase or word to keep you directed and thinking about one thing (this is called a Mantra).  Or maybe it is just thinking about the breath.  Or maybe thinking about your body and relaxing.  It is totally normal/natural to be in a meditation - and for a moment being 'present' or thinking about one thing - then all of the sudden the mind goes - 'what was that noise?" 'I'm Hungry." "I wonder what _____ is doing?" -
again all of these thoughts are normal. But when meditating just 'notice these moments where you leave the present and gently coax yourslef back. The more often you do this, the less often you will drift.

Being 'present' in life, in relationships - is much the same.  When you are talking to someone... be TALKING to that someone. If the mind wonders away - bring it back. When you are in yoga class... BE in yoga class.  When out to dinner, or working, or vacationing... BE THERE.

Most of you know my personal 'Be present" moment that changed everything for me.... But I will rehash it anyways...

Just days after 9/11... I was on a beach in Santorini, Greece - with 7 of my closest friends... literally in paradise. I sat up from my seat and said, "Hey everyone - where are we going on our next trip?"

My sweet friend Matt replied, 'JL, how about enjoying this one first."

This struck me so hard.  What was wrong with me - Id just experienced the horrific events of 9/11 and STILL could not enjoy THIS moment. I was in one of the most beautiful places in the world and I was still looking to the next place, the next experience.  I am forever grateful to Matt for saying what he did that day on the beach. It struck me like nothing else ever had (up until that point) - and it is this: Your life will pass you by - if you aren't LIVING in the NOW.  The past, the future... all are there. But the present... is fleeting.  Live your life... Be present. Embrace what is before you now.