Private: Adventures In Being Present

I had grand plans for the end of the year. But that was before I learned that my Soul had another plan for me. Much grander and more powerful than I could have imagined. I can see that now… but in the midst of it, I was frustrated, impatient, and resisted listening to my inner voice.

It started with my plan to take a 2 week stay-at-home vacation with my husband, spend time with family and friends, and have my own solo writing retreat. Every time I thought about it, I became more excited and energized about the fun day trips my husband and I had planned, long walks on the beach with friends, and quiet time to write.

Two days into the “staycation,” I found myself lightheaded, sneezing, and laid low with a virus that sapped my energy. I told myself if I took it easy, I’d get better sooner and still have lots of time to do all the things I’d planned.

A few days later, I rushed to put a plate in the dishwasher and broke it on the counter. Reaching out to catch the pieces from shattering on the floor, a sharp shard cut deeply into the fleshy part of my thumb. It was not a pretty sight but elevating it and tight bandaging kept me from visiting urgent care.

The next week was frustrating as I navigated with only one hand and definitely could not write at my computer.

On New Year’s day, I jumped out of bed eager to start the new year with a yoga class. Heading a few steps out my door to walk my dog, I painfully twisted my ankle. Instead of going to yoga that day, I unhappily limped inside to ice it.

By now, I was frustrated and impatient to get on with “my plan” and had only a few days left in the vacation. What was REALLY going on?

Sitting quietly, I remembered that a few weeks ago, I had asked for guidance in meditation on how I could open to more of my intuition and my potential in the new year.

What I heard was to be “more present” and to “slow down.” I hadn’t been ready to trust that guidance at that time. But I was now.

So I began moving more slowly and intentionally and trusting that I didn’t need to rush or “push” to make the most of the few days I had left of my staycation.

Meeting my husband for lunch, I was quickly walking into one of our favorite restaurants. (He was already seated inside and I was hungry!) Then I remembered the guidance I had received and took a deep breath and slowed my pace.

Suddenly, I had a strong feeling to go into the opposite door that I would typically use. My practical mind quickly said, “But that door is always locked.” But my intuition was so strong, that I decided to try the side door anyhow and to my surprise, I discovered it was unlocked and walked in the side door.

Since I had preordered my meal, the food was immediately brought out from the kitchen. Soon, I was happily eating.

After a couple of bites of my food, I heard a very loud noise. I turned my head to see what it was and was stunned to see a car drive through the brick wall of the restaurant. The nearby glass door was knocked off its hinges and glass and brick suddenly flew into the restaurant. Though it had happened just 10 yards behind me and the floor was covered in brick and glass, we were untouched.

Thankfully, everyone (the driver, passenger, my husband and I, and one other couple seated on the other side of the restaurant) were all safe. No one was injured.

It wasn’t until I lay in bed that night in deep gratitude that I remembered that strong feeling I had to go into the specific door of the restaurant. That’s when it dawned on me.

If I hadn’t slowed down, listened AND trusted my intuition, I would have walked into the other door of the restaurant just at the time that the car jumped the curb. What a different outcome I would have had!

In the days that followed, I continued to slow down and learned to trust my rhythm. The more I moved at my own pace, the more aware I became of the magic, mystery, and joys in everyday life. My intention for the new year was suddenly clear—Being Present.

It’s so easy for us to get caught up in the hustle of daily life, appointments, and to-do lists and get disconnected from our own rhythm and lose touch with our soul’s voice. Everything happens so quickly in our world and with technology. Yet when we are moving slowly and mindfully through our busy lives, we give our Soul’s voice… our intuition… the opportunity to be heard.

Whether you experience your Soul’s wisdom as images, sounds, feelings, or a sense of “just knowing,” you are more likely to access that inner knowing when you are present. It may be as simple as slowing down as it was for me… or for you, it might be taking deep breaths, touching a special object, or silently saying a phrase to yourself.

What would help YOU become more present in your day-to-day life in the coming year?

I invite you to keep it simple and choose something you can easily do and practice as you go about your day.

Because even ONE new practice will invite your soul’s wisdom more powerfully into your daily life. And by connecting with that inner wisdom, you will create a very different future… one day at a time.

Our Souls remind us that all we have is this moment.

And listening and trusting that inner wisdom TODAY is a powerful way of bringing more ease, joy, and flow into your life EVERY DAY. Who wouldn’t want to have MORE ease, joy, and flow in their lives this year?!

I’d love to hear what new practice you chose for the new year! Post a comment and let me know.