Thursday's Thought

Earlier this week, I was walking with my daughter, trying unsuccessfully to hurry her along  so we could reach our destination before the falling drizzle became a deluge. I was in a rush and distracted by thoughts about the work I need to do this week and the details that need addressed before we leave town next week. In the back of my mind was also a discussion I had with my husband over the weekend about whether I should make changes to my work/life balance as our daughter becomes more independent. 

The weekend discussion and continued deliberation was prompted by a reflection I read from a fellow yogini-mama who spoke openly about how she grapples with anxiety about the decisions - big and small - that shape our days and our lives. When I was younger, I thought I would reach a point at which I would be certain about my path. I envisioned a day when I knew exactly how I could best contribute to the world, serve my community, and invest in the people I love. I am beginning to realize, however, this is a lifelong pursuit characterized more by questions than answers.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by the insistent chatter of my sweet babe: "Mama, it's a leaf!" "Look Mama, it's another leaf. And another little tiny leaf." "Mama, I'm going to walk on the grass." "Oh, it's wet." "Mama, I can say hello to the wet grass from here." "Hello wet grass. How are you today?"

And I realized in that moment I was exactly where I needed to be. My inner monologue was no match for the small pleasures of the morning and my enthusiastic tour guide. The world will always need saving, but the window in which my baby girl will be here to teach me profound lessons about the art of being present is ever so brief...

Can you set aside your big thoughts and relish the small pleasures around you?