Practicing Presence

As I type this note, I’m doing so with one hand. Why, you ask? Because my cat, Karma, is lying on my other arm, and I’m enjoying her soft fur and the gentle vibration of her purrs too much to move and break the magic of the moment.

She doesn’t always choose to be close to me, so when she decides to be more than “human-adjacent,” I find myself mindfully obliging. Slowing down. Breathing deeply. Taking in the warmth, the softness, and the quiet comfort of her company.

It’s a simple reminder that mindfulness can find us in ordinary moments, when something invites us out of our thoughts and into our senses. Our part is to notice… and, when we can, linger.

This week, see if you can notice those small moments of enjoyment: a pet settling beside you, a passing smile on the street, a hand resting on your shoulder, or a hug you allow yourself to fully receive. Pause. Take a breath. Notice how it feels to be right here. Sometimes, a moment of connection is all the invitation we need to become more present.

Inspire | “Maybe I love nature so much because it asks nothing from me. I don’t have to achieve anything. I can just exist.” Unknown

Read | This article, Why Can’t We Rest Anymore? by Garima Garg, allowed me to take some time and space to pause and contemplate my relationship with rest. Perhaps you will take a few minutes to read and to do the same.

Try This | Before you fall asleep tonight, choose one moment from your day that you want to keep. Stay with that moment for three deep breaths, and let that be where your mind ends the day.