The Present in Being Present

The past is no more, the future is not here. The only time we are guaranteed is this present moment.

Letting go of what is behind us and practicing nonattachment to the future.

There’s nothing we can do to change the past or control the future. The gift of now is the only present that is ours to unwrap today.

This process of being present can be heard loudly within the asana practice of yoga. Just like life, if we don’t listen with intent to a present cue then we miss direction. If we lose focus and think of another time, we lose balance and fall behind - lost in steps prior. If we bring our thoughts ahead to the next posture before it is here, we miss the power and energy of the current position of the body.

By coming inward, harnessing focus and intention to the present - cures can be heard, movements come with ease, the body flows with the breath, the mind becomes clear and the heart light. All taking in the prana the poses and breath of the present filling up the body, mind and heart.

This holiday season, find yoga off the mat in being present in the present.

Touch your child concentrating on the feel of their skin under your fingertips.

Hug your parents, feeling their chest rise with their breath against yours.

Taste the flavors of your favorite cookie recipe, only concentrating on the ingredients.

Breathe in the cool air as you step outside your front door.

Feel the warmth of a fire flood over your body in comfort.

Hear the crunch of snow under your feet in the quiet night.

Let the light of a candle hit your eyes with its reflection.

The glorious gifts in being present and realizing nothing belongs to us, but when we are present, gifts are all around us.

Written by Brooke Halperin

Brooke will be teaching every Thursday at 6pm starting Jan 5th at Good Juju Lombard. Be sure to check out Brooke's classes. Book it at goodjujuyoga.com