Have you ever seen someone grab the shoulders of another to get their attention?  They are bringing that person out of a daze of thoughts and emotions and into the present so that they can focus on what is going on around them.

The recent earthquake in my area showed me what it was really like to be in the present moment.  Just before the earthquake began, I heard a roaring, rumbling sound.  Immediately, I focused on the sound.  Where was coming from?  What did it remind me of?   What could it be?

Then as the shaking began, I was totally aware of where I was, what I was doing, what I was thinking, what I was hearing, what I was seeing, and what I was feeling.   I was totally in the NOW.  When the shaking stopped, I found myself shifting out of the NOW moment and into the past, replaying what had just happened.   The clarity and focus that the earthquake had triggered vanished, and I missed the feeling of perfect peace and perfect clarity.

Oprah said, “Being fully present automatically lifts your spirits. Clears your mind of distractions.  Brings clarity.  Even some joy.”  Wow!  That is a lot to be gained from taking a moment to be in the NOW.

There are many other times when I could be in the NOW moment if I chose to be.  I could choose any moment in the day to really focus my attention on what I see, hear, feel, smell, and taste.  I could create for myself the unforgettable, never recaptured moments of being fully present.   What if out in nature I focused on the present moment?   How would my perception of being in nature change?

What if I focused on the NOW while traveling, wouldn’t it create a joyful moment for me to remember later?   Reconnection to such moments helps you to easily visualize and create pleasant moments for yourself in the future.

What if I chose to be in the NOW with another person.  This helps to let them know that they are heard, appreciated and validated.   What an amazing gift to give to someone!  It can lift them up and make a difference in their day and maybe even in their life.  Wouldn’t you like to be heard, appreciated and validated?

What if you were to allow yourself to be fully present in the moment on a regular basis?  Could you find moments of joy, moments of complete focus, moments that leave you feeling refreshed, and moments that make a difference in the lives of others?

Hopefully, it is not going to take another earthquake to bring you or me into the NOW.  Let it be a frequent conscious choice to be in the NOW and soon it will become a habit that brings you pleasure, focus and joy.

Don’t bother looking under the Christmas tree for your greatest gift.  You won’t find it there, or anywhere outside of yourself, for your greatest gift lies within.

You are attuned to the noises of daily living, but often forget to tune in to your inner spiritual voice.  You spend your time busily seeking happiness, but not finding it.  You need to accept that you are who and what you are seeking.  The only way to find yourself is to look within.  Spending time alone with yourself puts you in touch with who and what you are and helps you connect to your inner guidance.

When going within, you begin to hear what your heart truly thinks and believes, instead of what others have conditioned you or told you to believe.  Once you are able to just BE and access stillness, you will be able to look at the world around you with greater perception and discernment.  When you are more at one with yourself, you are able to recognize the external influences on your thinking from friends, family, and your surrounding environment.

Going within also helps you to access information not normally available.  You will begin to hear the voice of your Higher Self providing answers and direction. All answers lie within.  Enlightenment does not come from doing but from BEing silent so you can tune in to guidance.

You can consciously cultivate your inner voice.  Sit or lie in a quiet location where you will not be disturbed.  Close your eyes, focus within your heart, and ask to connect  with your Higher Self.  Let your mind go blank.  Just BE.  Note the thoughts that come, but don’t dwell on them.  If they are negative or fearful thoughts, know that your ego is trying to control your thoughts.  Your ego is not your true voice. Send love to your fears and negativity, then release the thoughts and send them on their way.

In quiet contemplation there is happiness and joy where you are able to realize who you are and your magnificence , then you can easily recognize and appreciate the unique magnificence of all around you.  Once you find your inner peace, then you are able to assist others to find their inner peace and ultimately you assist in achieving world peace.  What greater gift could there be?

May you find your greatest gift within that brings you joy, peace and enlightenment!

Happiness is a thing to be practiced, like the violin. ~ John Lubbock

Happiness is the inner joy that can be sought or caught, but never taught or bought.  ~ Unknown

He is not happy who does not think himself so. ~ Publilius

The best way to secure future happiness is to be as happy as is rightfully possible to-day. ~- Charles W. Eliot