Self Care September - Day 14

The Power of Now!

I find my local library a wonderful resource for books. I love to read. My favourite genre of choice is Thrillers and Crime Fiction but every now and then I make my way past the self help aisle. One of the books I borrowed, was The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I enjoyed it so much, I bought it on Audible so I could listen to it over and over.

I find that even though the book doesn't change; I hear something extra every time I listen. My understanding of the subject is a little better, a little deeper. The subject matter of the book is a very simple concept; and yet it is so hard to explain well. Put as simply as possible The Power of Now asks us to live right in this present moment; it states that there is no other time except this present moment. In fact time is a delusion. Everything that ever happens to us happens in the Now! The concept sounds simple right; except then you ask but what about my past; what about my goals; what about my experiences......and on and on. The best thing about the book is that it is written as a series of questions and answers; so if you think of a question, then the answer is likely to be in the book. If you haven't read this book, already; I would highly recommend it. Even if you have, read it again!

The reason I'm writing about it today is that it ties in very much with my blog post on day 10; where I mentioned the letter I received and how it inspired me to enjoy everything I do, no matter the task. I did that today and more. I was listening to the book on Audible as I drove in the car to my appointments this morning. I felt inspired to take a 10 minute time out twice, before I went into the supermarket and before school ended.

At the Supermarket I pulled the car over to an area surrounded by trees and I took 10 minutes to myself to relax. I found myself sauntering around the supermarket as relaxed as you like, because I let go of the need to rush around. My ten minutes had set the tone and I was in the chill out zone (as well as the chilled and frozen zones if you get my meaning!) Later in the day, and just before the bedlam of school's out, I took ten minutes to myself on the hammock (the birthday present I rarely get to use – if you notice me posting it on Facebook or Instagram, it's because it's a big deal when I get to go on it, instead of the kids; so I like to celebrate!). The sun was shining and the hammock is just below the trees and the blue sky was beautiful overhead. I found after those ten minutes I was so relaxed when the kids got home, that we breezed through homework and again, those then minutes had set the tone; chilled out and relaxed!

Therefore, today I recommend the self care practice of taking a moment to appreciate the now! If you come across the book read it; but even if you don't, stay aware of the subject – we only have the now in which to live. When today is gone, it's the past and we can do nothing about it; tomorrow hasn't come yet, so don't waste your energy fearing or hoping for change. Focus on the now; be here, be present, be aware and be wonderful!

Warmest wishes,

Emily xxx