Marcoujor: Today Is A Gift

marcoujor

Consider the following quote by B. Olatunji:
 
"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present."
 
I remember studying Abraham Maslow's psychological pinciples and hierarchy of needs in the 1980s. he stressed that a big part of mental wellness is the ability to focus on the present moment.
 
Today, this concept is called 'mindfulness'.

It took me many decades to actively tune in to what's going on around me - as well as becoming aware of my thoughts and feelings in the present and ongoingly.
 
In a younger form, I alternated between dwelling on how I could have done things differently or worrying about what tomorrow would bring.
 
Through being mindful of the 'here and now', I've become a better listener. I don't want to miss out on what I'm experiencing at the time.  Added benefits are increased energy, heightened mental clarity and even the ability to make more thoughtful decisions.
 
This past weekend, I spent a rejuvenating day at Stone Harbor, New Jersey with my sister.

---

I breathed in the glorious ocean air, splashed in my bare feet in the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean and could not help but observe a range of human behaviors.
 
I'll share two very different scenarios ~ as 'people watching' has become my second favorite life hobby.
 
I happened upon the most magical site.  A young lady was totally present- peacefully arranging sand over rocks, as gentle ripples washed on the shore.  Her mom was serenely sitting a few feet away on the rocks - an obvious role model for mindfulness.

In total contrast, I encountered an obese American family sitting sluggishly on beach chairs - in silence with snacks strewn around them. It was disconcerting to see the husband digging a coffin - sized hole in the sand with a garden shovel.
 
My mind raced at this sight...
 
I wondered if this guy would have a cardiac arrest before he completed the job?
 
Then I wondered what the purpose of the job was? Hmmm...??
 
I'll never know the answer to these questions... Had I been in his wife's flip flops, I would have skedaddled away with my teenagers in a completely opposite direction instead of snacking on processed foods and sitting like a proverbial duck - just sayin...! 
 
As I moved on, I pondered the difference between these two families.  I could imagine Mom saying: "It takes all kinds".
 
Animal Watching is my favorite hobby... 
 
I've become a more observant driver.  In other words, I have slowed down dramatically over the years.
 
As a result, I've encountered some amazing sights along life's journey.
 
Recently, as I was driving down my own street, I was entranced by my discovery.  I pulled off to the side to observe the beauty of these deer, who had meandered into our neighborhood from a close by river and nature trail.
 
I was honored that these gentle creatures allowed me to stand close enough to share this scene with you. I quietly thanked them for the opportunity.

Before you go

In closing, Congratulations are in order for my friend and fellow writer, Vicki Warner who has reached a milestone of 10K reads within a month on the WarnerWords website. She also has a brand new E-book available as a gift to new subscribers. If you're not familiar with her work, you're in for a treat.
 
Check out her most recent post and some other wonderful Weebly reads:

• Vinaya Ghimire: In the Land we Live via WarnerWords
  

• Indie Biz: Why Pixabay for Photographers and Pics? via flashPress
  

Until next week, wishing you peace.

Hugs, 

mar