As the calendar shifts into May, I’m craving time to pause and recalibrate.
The last few weeks were full to say the least. There were the usual stresses that come with work, homework, and colds sweeping through the family, but also so much good. Like exciting ideas, a family wedding, and wrapping up the first draft of a book (more on that coming soon).
The fullness of life can easily sweep us away and pull us right out of the present, but the present is where our home really is.
Here is where we learn our lessons and revitalize our spirits.
When this happens to me, I’m left feeling…off. Not quite myself, not quite settled, not quite depressed or anxious, but not quite at peace, either. My experiences with this have taught me that amid so much activity, even really, really good activity, it’s necessary to pause and find the ground again.
To do that, I ask myself three questions:
1. Where is my mind?
This one might be my favorite. It has no agenda other than checking in. You don’t need to analyze, solve, or decide anything, just acknowledge where you are now, showing wherever that is and whatever arises love and only love.
That compassionate honesty becomes the foundation for whatever comes next.
Asking myself this question, I found my mind gravitating toward the past. It’s reflecting on family, where I’ve been, and how I’ve grown. And this leads seamlessly into old memories. Some I’ve revisited a thousand times before. Some are closed books while others are stories yet to be written, and I’m having as many new insights as I am replaying broken records.
This serves as a reminder to treat myself with kindness and to be intentional about drawing myself back into the present.
2. What do I want to remember most about right now?
When you’re feeling aimless, vaguely unhappy, or overwhelmed, asking yourself what you want to remember most from right now can help you regain a sense meaning and purpose.
And if you’re feeling overjoyed and optimistic, it can help you nurture those feelings.
Time and time again, this question has helped me reset my mindset and priorities.
A memory I want to savor and carry with me is my brother and new sister-in-law driving off from the wedding and, totally unscripted, leaving a trail of tealights behind them. I want to remember the cool evening breeze, the sound of tin cans rattling behind his red car, standing with my family, my blue dress, laughter and cheering, the tears, and their trail of lights – always.
I’ve actually had the image of a trail of lights in my head for months now. When I decided to give poetry a try this winter, this was the first thing I wrote:
Stepping ever soft,
leave a breadcrumb trail of light
leading you back home.
And just days before his wedding, I sketched this:
If that’s not the universe working its magic, I don’t know what is, and I want to keep these little treasures close to my heart.
3. Am I living with trust and truth?
Whether you are or you’re not, the best thing you can do is be honest about it. (Remember, compassionate honesty.)
I’ve had my “no” moments, but I was so far from my truth that I couldn’t admit it. Those were the times when I spent more time acting than living. I think the hope was to find connection and happiness, but it only ever left me feeling so far from myself that I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted out of life.
I’ve come a long way since then, and at least for right now, I feel light and optimistic about all that is becoming.
So, what’s changed? The goals I set, the expectations I hold myself to, my perceived obligations, the way I speak to myself, the way I speak to others, and the power I give others in my life.
If your answer to this question is no, take it as your cue to pause the nonessentials and give yourself plenty of love and the space to ask yourself what you want, how you want to feel, and what would feel honest.
And if it’s yes, take a moment to own that and consider what you can do to keep living with trust and truth.
Taking time to reflect this week showed me that even when life is speeding by, it’s still the here and now that contains infinite riches.
And now it’s your turn.
Where is your mind?
What do you hope to remember most about now, and are you living with trust and truth?
I’m all ears. Leave a comment and share your takeaways from these grounding questions.
Craving more peace and presence? I made this for you:
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