Being Present In The Moment

Again, circumstances kept us close to home when planning a hike. Paths continue to be hit and miss when it comes to how well they are cleared. Several years ago, in a clumsy moment I fell while hiking and was seriously injured, thus my adventurous spirit wanes when an actual risk of falling is present so our options have been limited. But we were able to take advantage of one sunny day to hit a path in the nearby Carmel park, Coxhall Gardens. In 1999 the Cox family donated this 125 acre space that now includes a couple ponds, a music pavilion, a children’s area, twin bell towers and a large tented area (seasonal) available to rent for parties. Several times when we’ve stopped in there for a quick walk we’ve been treated to a stunt kite flyer in the wide open green space. In warm weather I especially enjoy sitting on the bank of the larger pond to watch the fishermen and ducks. Something to look forward to; now I’m simply growing grouchy as the cold weather stretches on. These warm days are teasers that simply end in disappointment when the next wave of winter weather blows through. Blah!

Grouchy. I finally found the word to sum up how I felt this week. That’s simply how I feel, but as I am known for saying, “feelings change” so I’m trying to take that to heart and instead, to be present in the moment, and not to wish away these last few weeks of winter. My winter To Do list still has plenty on it to accomplish. A better practice would be to focus on what’s going on now. Embrace the quieter, slower pace of life. Appreciate it for the gift it is. It’s actually been a good week, but what I am learning is that being outside definitely has a direct correlation on my state of mind, but that can’t be the overriding force that dictates the mood for the day. Well, there’s my pep talk for the week, I hope I was listening.

“To everything there is a season,

a time for every purpose under heaven…”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

And there’s this, only 27 more days until the first day of astronomical spring, but only a little over one week until meteorological spring! Yay!

A reflective inner journey of sorts this week instead of the outdoorsy kind. But we have our first road trip planned so I’m excited to log that experience soon.

‘Til next time.