BEING PRESENT IS THE PRESENT

In a world so heavily dominated by people living in the past and looking into the future, collectively as a society we are missing out on what is most important.

In a world where we are in a constant fight for control.  Control of our relationships, control of situations, control of what people think, control of being right.  We are missing out on what is most important.

In a world where social media and technology are not just beneficial, but also detrimental.  We are missing out on what is most important.

We hope for a future.  We respect our past.  Neither of which we “now” control.

That which we do not control however, does have a knack for controlling our thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviors, attitude, and actions.

Let go.  Let it all go.

Time is merely an illusion.  Release all the weight you are carrying.  The weight of yesterdays, and your parents yesterdays, and your friends yesterdays.  Life is not meant to live through a rear-view mirror.  Being present is peace.  The future can be just as scary, and even more of a distraction to what matters most.  Being present is peace.  Stuck in the past leads to depression.  Stuck thinking about the future creates anxiety. This is not about reflecting or celebrating our past, or planning for key moments in the future.  It is about being consumed by them.

*Simple Solution* (I work on this daily)

> Take a breath. Then take a deep breath in and exhale out.  Now close your eyes and do it. When you open your eyes, look up.  Look around.  This…this right here, this is what you control…right here, right now.

> It’s a feeling.  You should instantly feel lighter, almost weight less.  Eyes are capturing details otherwise overlooked.  You feel present, that is what that’s called, present, because it is a present.  The gift of life.

> Children, I would say under 10 are great living examples of being right now. They thrive on every moment, every minute being the most important thing in life.  Yesterday is forgotten. Tomorrow feels forever away.  At least until we attempt to mold them into being just like us. Regimented, scheduled, to do lists, ultimate multitaskers, high-achievers, inundated with things filling their life, but the one thing they really really desire…Your Presence. Your Time. Unconditional Love.

The most important thing, RIGHT NOW.

As a dad, I am constantly reminded of this.  This morning Lawson woke up and wanted to play Madden Mobile on the iPad.  It is the weekend so we let the kids enjoy some electronic time…especially when it is 90 degrees already in Austin, TX.  Most of the time, he plays independently, expressing his excitement loudly.  Many times, I hear the “dad, look at this play, check out this juke, or look at this pick six”.  I am really not interested, as I feel his time on technology means my time to do other things, you know like all the things running in my mental “to-do” list, especially as summer approaches, travel plans are unfinished, and the busy weekend is upon us.  Can you relate?  Well this morning I took my own advice, and joined him uninterrupted for a few mins, and it felt awesome for me, and for him.  He even let me run some plays, and having Bo Jackson as the running back doesn’t hurt :).

Madden Mobile.

I love my family, they help keep me aligned.  Help me stay focused on what matters most.  Help me feel at peace.  Help me feel fulfilled.  Help me feel love.

Watch Presley re-confirm…