As I struggled to make a decision today to stay home and work on this blog and other work-related tasks or to venture out with my family for a day of boating, I was reminded of this quote by the Buddha:
Be where you are, otherwise you will miss your life.
Then without dwelling on the tasks, I rallied when the Captain came in to announce the departure. I gathered my towel and water and jumped aboard the already revved up boat with the intention to savor the precious people, the dogs, the breeze, and the sun. Taking it all in with deep gratitude and a dose of forgiveness and self-compassion that the blog would arrive later than usual.
Truth be told- I can be hard on myself and I take my responsibilities seriously, yet today all it took was a moment to remember my intention for this blog is to inspire mindful living and that can only come from living mindfully. The choice to go became a choice to live mindfully and be present with my family, rather than to stay home and write about it. I cherish my time reading, studying, and practicing mindfulness, and it would all be a waste if I missed out on living and embodying it in daily life..
Mindfulness practice wakes me back up to impermanence and in a world of infinite choices there is still a limit on my time, my energy, and my attention. Although I continue to struggle with making wise choices, today I can feel a sense of peace and connection and I hope our readers will ponder this quote throughout this week, perhaps write it down, post it in your home, or weave it into your daily meditation practice. Let it remind you to wake up and be present.
With Love and gratitude,
Patty and The Sacred Treehouse faculty
Patty Thomas Shutt, founder of Sacred Treehouse, is a licensed psychologist and co-owner of Therapeutic Oasis of the Palm Beaches. Dr. Shutt is passionate about helping others discover the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. She offers Beginner Meditation & Advanced Meditation classes at Sacred Treehouse, in addition to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Mindful Self-Compassion and various book studies throughout the year.