Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.
— Mary Jean Iron

Action Item:
Each day take time to be calm, present and still, treasuring each moment for the unique opportunity it presents.

by Neissa Springmann

Since having my son Durant almost six weeks ago, my husband Russell and I have been given a wealth of parental and baby advice. It cracks me up because Russell comes home almost every day with a new piece of information that he received from a co-worker or another coach. While all of the advice has been valuable and is greatly appreciated, the one that is unanimous and has left the biggest impression is “to cherish every moment with Durant because he’ll grow up and change so quickly.” I even had one friend suggest that I pay attention to his eye lashes every day because they will grow, and sure enough, they have! As a result of continuing to hear this wisdom, I’ve concluded that it must be true and we’d be silly to not take it to heart.

As I’ve contemplated the idea of savoring every moment with Durant (even the late night wild animal screams), it’s made me reflect on how I treat each day. Have I relished life as I should, or am I constantly looking to the future and the next best thing? Do I even know how to appreciate the present or have I taken much of it for granted because I have a busy mind? My conclusion is NO, I have not relished my days and opportunities as I should. In fact, I have constantly rushed from one thing to the next, scarfing down lunch to only wonder what I will have for dinner and even returning emails on my blackberry while breast feeding Durant. Obviously I’ve been missing moments because I can’t turn my brain off long enough to relax.

It’s apparent that I have a difficult time being present, and because I want to treasure all little things such as Durant’s hair getting lighter (as it is) and the trees putting off spring buds (as they are), I’ve been focusing on the following words, “be calm, be present, be still.” And in the midst of repeating and even meditating on them, they’ve magically drawn my level of awareness and gratitude back to the present moment. Miraculously as a result,  my mind, body and spirit become calm and still. It’s a refreshing, relaxing and worthwhile experience.

In this amazing city of Austin we get to workout in, we are so blessed to have the abundant green parks and fresh air to inspire us to take a deep breath, enjoy the beauty around us, and just be still.

Last week I had lunch with a beautiful ray of sunshine and a like-minded professional by the name of Kim Love. While enjoying our conversation, every ten minutes Kim’s watch alarm would chime. When it went off the first time she smiled and explained that the intention of the alarm was for her to stop and give gratitude for something. So, throughout the course of our lunch, Kim’s alarm went off at least six times and she’d always smile and give thanks for something different. Obviously, I think this is a BRILLIANT concept and as result I am going to do the same this week and I’d love for you to join me. However, rather than set your gratitude alarm, set your present alarm. Each time your alarm goes off “be calm, be present and be still.” Embrace where you are and even take a mental snap shot. Consider the moment as unique, cherish it and be thankful for it. I suspect you’ll enjoy the sweet and one of a kind moments. Enjoy our Weekly Intention Guide to help you set some goals around this.

All in all, it is necessary to think about your future, set goals, explore your dreams, and put into action all of the fruitful ways you will live your live and your legacy. However, I also think it’s equally as important to find the ease within your effort and relax and enjoy the life dance—rocking through life with no regrets, much like this amazing dancer in this weeks video (be sure and watch the whole thing!!!)

JOIN THE DISCUSSION- How often do you take time to just be still? 

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