Path to Joy 10: This Moment
The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment. — Thich Nhat Hahn All “Illustrated Wisdoms” in this 2023 Paths to Joy collection were created by splattering Dylusions shimmer spray on 11×14, 98 pound, Canson mixed media paper, then spritzing with water to see how the colors would run and gather. When dry, the above quote was evoked with 10 circles contain clock hands. The gaps remind that, amidst situations that seem to confine life [as time can do], pauses can open larger possibilities. Art is available with and without the quote. Shop Sandra’s Galleries. “What day is it?” asked Pooh. “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. “My favorite day,” said Pooh.” ― A.A. Milne Have you heard, “A pause for the cause?” What if the cause for pausing is joy? Of this tenth ‘Path to Joy’, an old book called The Treasury Chest recommended, ”Live in a daylight compartment. This means living one day at a time. … Make the most of today for it is all you have.” This approach can be what the Berkeley Well-Being Institute calls, “Living in the moment” rather than recalling the past or projecting into the future. Odyssey Online reports the main benefit of avoiding ‘’could have’ regrets means less stress and sorrow. By taking breaks from ‘’should be’ imaginings, happiness increases because moments can be enjoyed for what they are. Disappointment is reduced because, “When you don’t have expectations … everything that happens will be a pleasant surprise.” For some, this mindset is natural and easy. For others, the Berkeley Well-Being Institute offers fourteen tools, including: Practicing Gratitude, which encourages appreciation of immediate surroundings like, “the smell of fresh-cut grass, the feel of the wind on our cheeks, or the sight of a flower growing.” Keep a “Living in the Moment” journal [which could be done with a Smartphone] where special things are mentally ‘photographed,’ like the shade of red at sunset or birds taking flight. Read more. Remember, The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: You create a good future by creating a good present. – Eckhart Tolle Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT. Click here to view. How to Practice Mindful Eating A precious reminder about food as a way of caring for and about ourselves. Length: 47 seconds
Soul Words: The Present Moment & Mindfulness
Winter Solstice Traditions 2-Minute Video Click here to View The Present is the point at which Time touches eternity. C.S. Lewis December 21 is Winter Solstice. Viewed from Earth, the Sun ‘moves’ from the constellation Sagittarius to Capricorn. Above our planet’s equator, the year’s longest night is experienced. In some places, the sun won’t even ‘rise’ [for 40 days in Murmansk] , which requires making our own light, especially inside. For 2022, Succeed and Soar promised healing, uplifting “Soul Songs” at the eight celestial turning points. This year’s octad concludes with: Mindfulness. Each of us is magical. We can time travel, experiencing our pasts and possible futures. These journeys can bring joy and security. Otherwise, as Anthony James said, “Remind yourself: You can only deal with the present moment. Everything else is a memory, a hope or a fear.” The Mayo Clinic describes Mindfulness as, “a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment.” Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now added, When you make the present moment, instead of past and future, the focal point of your life, your ability to enjoy what you do and with it the quality of your life increases dramatically. [free The Power of Now download] Mindfulness benefits can include: Higher brain functioning, increased immunity and less anxiety [see Positive Psychology] Also, less depression, improved memory and stronger relationships [see Very Well Mind] How to pause and use all five senses to live in the here and now? WikiHow offers these 14, steps with pictures. ENLIGHTENING, SHORT VIDEOS: Let Go of What’s Keeping You from This Moment [1 minute] Mindful Breathing for Anxiety [4 minutes] How to Get Into the Present Moment in 10 Seconds [5 minutes] The Neuroscience of Mindfulness [9 minutes] Succeed & Soar! The Wisdoms Collection Shop Enriching and Beautiful Posters Click Here to Visit