Presence
Issue no. 12 | Post no. 6:
Eckhart Tolle and my Uncle Terrell have taught me a lot about living life in the present, certainly enough to make me question the tense of this sentence as I write it. Perhaps they teach me. Or at least they tried to teach me. Whatever. It’s a lesson I continually need to remind myself of. And these days, my reminder mechanisms aren’t functioning at their best. Lately, I’ve been itching to try this little “presence” exercise of focusing on the here and now- the Right Now- that Lisa and UndertheBIGbluesky have been sharing.
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” — Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now
Here goes: July 27, 2010 7:46 AM
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In my paper cup: A mostly black blend that Rich brought me while Mazy and I were out walking.
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In my belly: Cinnamon oatmeal and peach slices.
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In my ears: Tift Merritt
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In my head: The Selby is in my Place is in my head and I’m imagining him coming to my home, where he’d shoot some unnoticed corner that would appear beautifully melodic and I’d think, “wow, my house isn’t such a disaster, after all.”
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I am thankful for: Memories of Sunday spent with my family under the covered deck in the 102 degree heat.
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On my nightstand: 1. The Elements of Style (illustrated version) by Will Strunk and E.B. White and now I’m wondering if you italicize book names or bold them? I should go get the book, but I won’t. Note to family: bury me with this book, just in case. Me must write pretty in heaven. 2. Synthroid. 3. A glass of water- half full. 4. Lint. 5+. The latest Garden & Gun, Pottery Barn catalog, a paperback copy of The Book Thief, a paperback copy of The Yarn Harlot.
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On my mind: Quilts. In love with my freshly washed Double Wedding Ring.
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In the fridge: a drawer full of cold, ripe peaches. Leftover pasta salad.
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Overheard in the other room: Matt Lauer
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On my thermometer: 75 degrees Fahrenheit
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Feeling: Anxious about being late for work. Happy about going in late for work. Anxious. Happy. Mostly happy. Happy to be here.
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July 27th, 2010 at 8:11 am
Kim – yeah! I’m so happy you are jumping on this bandwagon with us. The “Right Now” idea came to me one day while I was driving. I was wondering what a friend was doing at that very moment. That inspired it.
Love the Eckhart Tolle quote. So true.
July 27th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
*raises hand* I need a serious kick in the pants about living in the moment. I need to take up meditation, too. I fear neither will ever happen. I’ve also been meaning to steal Lisa’s brilliant idea for ages. Love your list!
July 29th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
A New Earth is great too. It’s basically the same information, but presented a bit differently- Also, Oprah had a huge www live class with Eckhert Tolle a couple of years ago you can still download the episodes from itunes. I love your site- it is very inspiring.
August 2nd, 2010 at 4:52 am
@Lisa, I keep discovering such great songs- I think that’s been one of the best treats. I’m not sure whose list it was now, but I’m listening to Jack Gill right now. So lovely & such sweet lyrics.
@Amy, Reading Eat, Love, Pray was probably as close as I’ll ever get to meditation, except for the occasional yoga class over the years. I do think you need to join the ‘present’ club. I want to read Amy in the moment. I have a feeling your mind is far more quick witted than mine!
@Mary, I took the ‘A New Earth’ class that summer and as corny as it sounds- it did change my life. In fact, Aaron teases me about that time I took a class and learned how to be nice to people (for a change.) Honestly, it worked. I have been a fan of Tolle’s teachings ever since.
August 3rd, 2010 at 9:16 pm
I love living in the moment idea. I need to start doing that more, I get hung up on the past, thinking about stuff, rationalizing, remembering stuff I can’t change. Then I get sad or feel guilty. Then I feel stagnant in the now, wanting what I don’t have. But then when I get what I want, I always want more, and the feeling never goes away. I need that new earth class too.
August 4th, 2010 at 9:26 am
I am an official Paper Apron groupie! You had me at Tiff Merritt. Really enjoying Zack Gill right now. Thanks for sharing your music! Live in the now while listening to good tunes…
August 18th, 2010 at 3:37 am
kim-
hooray! i am just catching up after vacation! i love your Presence, please keep it up! It’s like a little glimpse into your world.
and I like Nina too, any friend of Zach Gill is a friend of mine
now i’m off to check out Tiff Merritt!