I learned what is obvious to a child. That life is simply a collection of little lives, each lived one day at a time. That each day should be spent finding beauty in flowers and poetry and talking to animals. That a day spent with dreaming and sunsets and refreshing breezes cannot be bettered.
-Nicholas Sparks
In the spirit of Easter, we introduced ourselves in Saturday's class with our first names and a description of something that we would like to revive, re-experience or renew. Mentioned, were things like reviving cancelled movie sitcoms, re-experiencing home-cooked dinners on the beach, eating healthy and getting back to creative pursuits. Simple actions and processes, nothing big or fancy.
Doesn't it seem as though we look at the future and dream big and wide, yet look back for the small, bright spots? I think it's because we just want to feel good, and that projected or recalled emotion can only take place in the present. Children seem to do it best, reveling in the simple joys of the present. Their attention spans are short for all things mundane and waiting is not a game they enjoy.
In order to experience the joys of our past and the hopeful happiness of the future, we have to hold those intentions in the present. All of our power is in the present . So in class, we moved through yoga postures while counting our breaths. We chose the movements we felt were necessary, before enacting them. While it may sound serious and somber, there was actually a lot of giggling and gaiety. There are so many illusions to look past when you're trying to focus.
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Just for fun, try this Awareness Test (You Tube, 01:08).
How to Raise a Happy Child, by the Baby Center.
Happy Childhood Memories Breath Spray, $4.99.
Photo of Adario and Hayden at the Hawaii Volcano Observatory: Geno Ortiz.