We've all heard the catchphrase "live in the moment," right? It's currently an over used pop culture reference and at times, it seems a bit cliche. Typically it refers to seeking adventure and therefore "living your best life".
But I'm convinced that our very best life is simply learning to love well, and be loved well! That means the essential and relational triad of ourselves, our Creator and those around us.
Time is a constant, ticking metronome - unchanging and sometimes unforgiving. It measures our work schedules and our days and nights. It reveals our wrinkles and aching bodies. We are "on the clock" in near constant motion, with the stress of trying to keep our heads above water in our frantically busy routines. Mostly, time seems like an adversary.
We're busy bees trying to learn what to be.
Moments, on the other hand, are different and so very fascinating. They are carried by time, but are not bound by it, for they can begin and end at will. They occupy our "soft" side and when we are truly being present, or focused on them, they become a great friend and teacher. A well-realized moment is a God-given gift of focused consciousness, which can encourage stronger self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life.
A real catalyst of dynamic change.
A good thing to remember: Our past can unfortunately carry our guilt, and the future can bring us anxiety of the unknown. The past is history and the future brings few guarantees. Neither deserves our main focus.
The only thing that remains is this unique moment in time, positive or challenging, right here in front of us. Moments are not just what we do with our time, but they are how we choose to live in time. But God help us, we need to master our moments!
First up: the Quick Pause.
Sometimes we have to adjust on the fly because things are happening fast - a kind of “contemplation on wheels”. I try to focus on this moment now in front of me, especially if it seems significant in the positive or negative. Then I put things on pause long enough to consider my emotions about it and how my body is reacting.
Does something seem wrong? I want to open up to the Holy Spirit about it. It's tapping into our on-board sensitivity while things are happening in the moment and not detached from it. When we allow ourselves to feel something, identify stressors, and learn some truth about the negativity, then we can be informed about ourselves and others, and start to heal.
Or does the situation catch my attention as positive? On the right track? I want to thank the Lord for it with gratitude and give myself and anyone else involved some credit too! Maybe both sides of this practice is what the Apostle Paul meant by "pray without ceasing." It’s simply relating to our Heavenly Father and Teacher in real time!
I am discovering that this check in does wonders. And if I am too busy, or in fight or flight mode and can't seem to deal with the emotional fallout of something (or I don't want to hurt someone more), I will at least acknowledge it and set it aside. Then the Lord will bring it back around later for me to give it more attention - in a more purposeful and quiet moment.
Other times, it's the Big Stop!
Usually brought on by an emotional crash of some kind, either solitary feelings of sadness or grief, or a "forced stop" - after an argument or clash with someone in my relational circle. It can also be a voluntary time of contemplation, alone with my thoughts and feelings.
In Richard Rohr’s book: “The Naked Now”, he writes that "... we tend to be nervous about slowing down and giving ourselves permission to peer into ourselves, and what we might possibly discover. Being present can be a threat to our own personal status-quo". (I highly recommend this book)!
But we are assured that our Holy Spirit is a dove, not a hawk. He will take great care with us, as we talk and listen, without any condemnation. And positive results will follow.
Whatever leads to it, times of stoppage and contemplation are essential, and a personal priority of self-care. And in terms of our to-do list efficiency, a healthy inner life greatly calms and benefits our outer life, which improves our productivity. It's a win/win!
A great lesson from scripture on pausing or stopping is when Mary and Martha are entertaining Jesus in their home. Martha is serving the others and getting irritated, then she's self-righteous towards Mary, who is sitting intently at Jesus' feet. Mary is realizing the moment, and Jesus compliments her on it!
Lastly, we need not be rigid about how we stop and smell the roses. We can use other catalysts for contemplation that suit us, like the glory of nature or grand babies, or coffee with a trusted friend. Whatever calms us and leads us to tune in to our senses, our bodies, and our emotions...then on to quality time with our Abba, the only one who truly understands all our complex issues.
Let's discover the gift of love in our moments and throw all of our enthusiasm and creativity into them!
