The hands of the clock on the wall outside of the yoga studio I visit point to the word: NOW.
Like a mantra, NOW replaces every number on the clock face. Regardless of the time I arrive, the clock reminds me that I’m doing exactly the right thing NOW by practicing yoga.
As I pull apart the heavy wooden doors, I pause for a moment to imagine dropping the weight I carry – anger, resentment, worry, guilt, self-doubt – in a pile at the threshold. I am enough. NOW is the time.
I can pull out and apply my NOW mantra anytime, anywhere, especially when I feel overwhelmed by the busyness of life, shiny objects, the long list of To Dos, Should Dos, and Would-Be-Nice To Dos. At work, at home, or at play – NOW is the right time.
Sometimes I need a reminder that we all have exactly the same amount of time: it’s what we do with it that matters. I’ve learned over the years from people wiser than me that the principle of unlimited time is to keep your attention focused on what you’re doing in the moment, whether it’s with yourself or with someone else:
- Playing a game
- Petting your dog
- Driving a car
- Walking with a friend
- Making coffee
- Eating ice cream
- Watching snow fall on angels
“Remember that there is only one important time and is NOW. The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion. The most important person is always the person with whom you are with, who is right before you, for who knows if you will have dealings with any other person in the future. The most important pursuit is making that person, the one standing at your side, happy, for that alone is the pursuit of life.” – Leo Tolstoy
What are you doing NOW?
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