Everyday I think about how I can practice thinking beyond my self-centered purview. I wake up and give intentional gratitude to the people and things that bring great joy in my life. Then I start thinking about how much work I have to do when I get to the office. The thoughts snowball and I’m off. Another day on my own fast moving train. Intentional practice is work. It does not come easy to me unfortunately. Lately, when I practice intentionally, I widen my perspective and try to pay attention to what’s around me, from the windchill that hits my face, the unique odor of the air and dormant or half-living plants and grass, the wet kiss from my new puppy, or the soft kiss from my husband as I leave for the office on a Monday morning. This moment will be different soon. It will change and never be the same just like the characteristics of a snowflake. In fact, I am not the same moments later. There’s no quarantee even though experience and time have given me false confidence. I wonder how I have placed so much trust in the future, that some day things will be better, I’ll get more organized. I’ll have more time to….The time is now. It’s not new news but for me it’s not easy.

When I open my mind and heart to the ‘now’ I see so much more than I ever thought. I am driving and see a puppy running in and out of the cars at a stoplight. I see someone walking on crutches, carrying an unusually large bag causing his gait to slant sideways while walking forward. It looks like it’s going to rain. I will be late for work if I stop to see if he needs a ride or to save the puppy from the traffic, only….it is NOW. I need to practice intentionally.