To say that recent weeks (months even) have been stressful is a gross understatement. Being and remaining mindful has been a tremendous challenge as I walk around with a list of (nearly) impossible to-dos rambling around in my head. Yet, I have been surprised on two recent occasions with moments of beauty that redirected my focus to appreciation. Both instances happened during very mundane activities.
I was taking a shower last week and happened to look down at the spray hitting the puddled water on the shower floor. In that moment, I noticed the pattern of the drops as it hit the surface of the water. They resembled little snowflake formations without the extensions that characterize snowflakes. The light reflecting off of the water gave the process an element of special effects. Prior to that moment, my mind had been all over the place. Yet, noticing the pattern displayed by the water drew me into the PRESENT moment and I was able to appreciate the until-then unnoticed beauty. In response, I smiled and continued to watch for a few more moments.
The other occurrence happened this morning. I was drinking a glass of water (from an actual glass) near the window. The sun was shining through the window and I was standing in its light. As I looked at the receding water while I drank, I noticed how the glass and water refracted the light into multiple colors. I didn’t see a full spectrum ROYGBIV rainbow but I did see some colors. In response, I smiled and continued to watch the phenomena as I slowly drank the rest of the water.
Needless to say, I don’t spend every moment in the PRESENT moment. However, when things happen to anchor me in the present moment, I appreciate the hint and go with it. Those moments serve as a reminder that life is truly beautiful if you stop and notice.
Years ago, I wrote about the same thing:
Taking The Time To Notice