In a Moment - Issue 1

Take a moment to notice this moment. This can be a quick exercise or an extended practice. You get to do what you need and you can come back to this any time.

Feel both of your feet on the floor. Maybe even lifting the toes and resetting them back down. 

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Notice the sounds around you. Those close to you, perhaps your own breath. The sounds of the space around you. Notice the sound furthest away from you. You don't need to think about the sounds. Simply observe them.

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Notice what you see in this moment, beyond the screen in front of you. Notice the light. Observe the colors, the textures and the shapes near you. Further from you. Allow the images to come into your awareness without too much effort. 

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Notice any smells in this moment. Some may be pleasant. Some may not be. Notice if you are attracted to a particular scent or aroma. Notice if resistance or aversion arises to others.

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Notice any tastes. Sweet. Sour. Bitter. Notice the sensation. Notice if you are following a story behind the taste and see if you can release the story and be with the sensation.

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Notice the air around you. Notice the feeling of the air against your cheek, between your fingers, on your finger tips. Does the air feel light? Does it feel heavy? What is the texture of the air? 

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Take a deep breath in. Release a full exhale out. 

Take as much time as you need.

I started thinking about “calmness” and was struck by the fact that it is not an innate quality. It is a practice. There are many tools that can help cultivate calm.  The common thing they all need is time. It doesn’t need to be a lot of time. 

Simply a moment.