I had a bit of a breakthrough last night, learning more deeply to be "in the moment," staying present, without worrying about the two days we never have to worry about, yesterday or tomorrow, or how about what happened a few hours ago or what might happen in the next few hours...

I've been "forced" to grow in this area due to working double shifts most of the summer. If I give into complaining or worrying or feeling sorry for myself I will miss much of what I'm supposed to learn, as well as sharing it with others. The "breakthrough" came waking up too early at 3:30 AM this morning, unable to get back to the sleep I needed to survive and thrive today's double work shift. After an hour of laying there I came to the place of being present, accepting my lack of sleep and convincing myself that even if I don't get any more sleep, I'm OK with that. I enjoyed the darkness, being able to not have to get up, a nice bed, the quietness, thoughts of the day past and some prayers of thanksgiving. That letting go, enjoying the present, "freed me up" to go to sleep.

That reminded me of my recovery life--the letting go of the anxiety of what I can't control, learning to appreciate not what I think should be but what is, not missing the mystery of the simple, daily, "small miracles."

Tags: PresentFocusedCentered