IN THE LIVING now

from Inspire(d) Spring 2023

Marilyn Myrah Bunge

The next right thing is what comes to my mind when I think about Living in the Now. Sometimes when we zoom out so far, we see mistakes in the past and mountains in the future, and moving forward feels impossible. But you are here. Now. Do the next right thing.

But how do you focus in like that? How can you remain present in the moment and in your current choices? Mindfulness (another popular word in Inspire(d)-land) is one of the most helpful tools for living in the now, and it’s a habit and practice in which we can all find rewards. When you’re mindful of your breathing, your shoulders relax; your stress eases. When you’re mindful of the food you’re eating, it becomes more enjoyable, and you’re more in tune with your body. When you’re mindful of your time and habits, you become more engaged and engaging with your loved ones. Spring feels like a great time for mindfulness. It’s my favorite season of all. I love noticing the little green shoots that start poking out of the earth. I love the first 50-degree day that somehow feels like summer. I love the light that lasts just a little longer each day. But if we aren’t living in the now, we won’t take note of these things we love. And then our lives pass us by. The only thing we can be certain of is this moment right now. What are you going to do with it? Regret something from yesterday? Worry about something for tomorrow? Or find something to be joyful about today? basil!)

I’m going for the latter. And while it might seem like that’s something I, as a “positive person,” do all the time, I can tell you: It takes work, every day. It’s worth it though.

The following pages will walk you through some ideas, practices, and tools to help engage your mindfulness and senses. Let’s get out there this spring and live in the now. You are here. What’s your next right thing?