Back To The Present

Many movies have been made about the topic of time travel. One theme that they all have in common is that when someone goes back in time, they are not supposed to try to change anything. If they do, it could have an adverse impact on the present or the future. Interestingly we spend a lot of time inside of our heads breaking that very rule. We are either stuck in thoughts about what we could have done differently in the past, or mentally weighed down by worry about?the future.?

In his book,?Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success, championship basketball coach Phil Jackson talks about the practice of mindfulness as a way to return to the present. This focus on being in the moment was a huge part of his approach and what contributed to the success of the teams that he coached.

Remembering this simple yet powerful practice of coming back to the present has contributed greatly to my growth during my summer of healing and joy. Here are a few strategies to support you on your healing journey.

Incidents are Information.?For several years I had a career as a professional dancer. I came to a phase in that career where I knew it was time to move on, but I stayed so as not to disappoint people who wanted me to remain there. One day in practice, I stumbled during a turn and heard a loud crack coming from the vicinity of my ankle. The sound alone scared me so much that I burst into tears before I even felt any pain. I knew that this was a clear sign that it was time to move into what was meant for me in the moment. While dance had been an exciting and important part of my past, it was not my purpose at present. This incident gave me information to solidify my decision to retire from dance performance.

What incident is trying to give you information about the moment?

Altitude Adjustment.?When Phil Jackson was the coach of the Chicago Bulls, he talked about losing a game to the Denver Nuggets because the team had trouble adjusting to the altitude. What we’ve done, or who we’ve been up to this point, may be different from what we need for where we are right now. As we grow personally and professionally, we will need to adjust to meet the moment.

What practice or preparation do you need to support the success of who you are today and where you are at this present moment?

Permission Personified.?When I facilitate workshops or retreats for new clients or organizations, sometimes I still get nervous even though I’ve been doing this type of work for almost 20 years. Last week, I was cleaning up at the end of a session in a series of workshops that I had been particularly anxious about. One of the participants came up to me and shared that she looks forward to this session every week. She was particularly moved by how I showed up as my whole self. She also shared that she could tell that I really care about educating my people. Her kind words made my worries melt away. It reminded me that being myself gave others permission to do the same, and that anxiousness is worrying about the future instead of being fully immersed in the present moment.?

Instead of trying to be like someone else, who you once were, or who you hope to be, how might you fully embrace who you are right now?

This week I challenge you to release your residence in the past or the future and move into the moment by coming back to the present.

Manifestation Affirmations

I am showing up as my whole self so that my people can recognize me.

I am engaging in practices that support who I am right now.

I am learning and applying what my experiences are teaching me.?