The awareness that has shifted my life the most, is my ability to feel present in what I am doing in each moment.
I have had a lot of experience, like all of us, yet knowing that I am here right now, this second, is the key to my finding joy and a sense of peace. It is not always the easiest road and I remind myself daily that being present is a state of fluidity and motion… there is no stasis.
In this way I remember that a state of peace is always alive inside of me. I breathe and connect to my body in a way that enables me to find “me” at a deep level.
It used to be that I was in a constant state of worry. I lived fearing I would miss something or get my life wrong.
What I love about being in my late forties and being aware, is that I no longer live thinking about what has happened in the past or worry about what may or may not happen in the future. I savor being alive in this moment.
I have even learned to embrace my challenges as my gifts and guides. Life is not always easy yet I know that with my challenges come my most exquisite lessons. I realize now that in life energy always shifts and peace is always my natural state of being. With my perceived hardships comes an awareness and deeper understanding of me, hence I can feel the beauty of when life feels difficult for me.
My connection to the Divine is what moves me. By allowing myself the space to feel “what is” has made me feel more connected to that which is “bigger than me.”
My most cherished moments are when I feel my connection to the Divine and that comes in many shapes, colors and sensations. For me my teacher has always been my body as it moves in harmony with nature. Where I feel myself most is when I am outdoors hiking, doing yoga in the yard or working in my garden… I feel the breeze on my skin and the sun warming my back and I smell the delicate array of nature’s natural gifts, like orange blossoms, jasmine or a freshly picked strawberry, and I know that there is something so much bigger than me orchestrating my life.
I am a feeler, or better said I am empathic. I have learned through movement and breath a connection to my body and when I feel, my awareness becomes my guide. Healthy food, sacred space and living in tune with nature are keys for me to find peace of mind, body and spirit.
What I like to share with people is my love of “what is.” I neither make it wrong nor glorify it. To be at peace with “what is” is a gift and I have learned over time. I love to introduce the sacredness of nature, food and movement – even adventure – as tools to accept “what is” no matter what that might be. I would love for others to know the beauty of being present in their own bodies and that by creating that awareness inside is how one can deeply feel the joy of being alive.
I am very glad to see and read your writing. As I have the same life as you are, living in the present most of the time, simply conscious living. The joy of living in the present moment cannot be compare with any material things or beautiful holidays, it has it own superiority and everything looking as appearances in my life somebody else is life and the things around you and etc. Meditation is very easy, within few minutes you are in the very deeper level with ever present pure consciousness. I was looking for something from 2003 don’t know what it is and I got it after the experience of OBE and the Blessings of the Angel. when the student is ready the teacher will appear. Yes, I came across Eckhart Tolle. His teaching changed me into a Magnificent, honest human being. what else do you want in life. Simply enjoy the rest of life Blessings.
Great insights, Mariel. I especially love, “I have even learned to embrace my challenges as my gifts and guides.” Once you realize this, life really opens up in all of its wonders.
Thank You!
Thank you for this. You are a true beauty.
All I can say is I think you are an amazing, strong, beautiful, woman Mariel and thanks for sharing so much of your life 🙂
Dear Girl, I am so thrilled that you breezed into my heart today. Sometimes, we simply need to be reminded–to get us back on track. I have been dealing with a jumble of feelings, brought on by some family issues…and as I untangle the mess…you know, like ‘is this really true’ or ‘is this coming from having been born at the time of the ‘Great Depression’ or, ‘is this coming from some old useless belief?’ and so on…but your reminder for me to see the challenges as a ‘gift’ hit the right spot, so thank you…feeling much better now.
“What is” is a good question in our life. Thanks for your thoughtful insights.
Mariel, I smiled as I read your article since I too have experienced the power of being in nature, and at that time, “feeling myself most,” plus feeling connected, humbled and in awe of ALL creation. I awoke to this at a somewhat advanced age (what took me so long?) when I started mountain climbing at 57 – never realizing were my climbing would take me, physically and spiritually. After my first trek into the Himalaya I returned with a deep assertion in knowing what spirituality means to me. I also got really grounded in knowing that all positive leadership is linked to two aspects: assertiveness and empathy. And, this is what has me return to the mountains with fellow adventurers at 81.
“connection to the Divine and that comes in many shapes, colors and sensations.”
So true – and these connections change over time, within relationships, how we interact with any environment, and more.
Mariel – I especially liked this reminder in your down-to-earth article about being at peace with ‘what is’.