Present

The real work happens during the first five minutes of class. 

Everyone is on their mat, and we take a few minutes to pause before we begin, breathing in and out, collectively and individually. Our breaths soon become a soft rhythm for our teacher's voice as she leads us in setting an intention for the next sixty minutes of class. 

For those who have never practiced yoga, this description may be the reason you shy away from this type of exercise, and I get it. Sometimes you just want an efficient way to stay in shape without the extra fluff. Or maybe you think it's a waste of time because you can burn more calories another way (I challenge you to try power yoga, however).  But stay with me for a minute. Yoga is more than just a unique way to exercise your body or improve your balance. Yoga has the added benefit of training your mind to focus through breathing, and by practicing it, you can become more mindful of what's happening in your body and in the present moment.  You could think of it as a two-for-one deal. Additionally, when you set an intention at the the beginning of class, you are giving your mind a mental cue card for how you want to show up that day. Do you want to be bold and adventurous in your practice, exploring new positions, or do you need peace and stillness? You get to decide before you make a move.

I love these first five minutes because being still, breathing, and intention-setting helps me refocus on what's most important. Setting an intention isn't just for yoga, after all. 

This morning I pulled out my journal and wrote the word present. I chose this word because this time of year is the annual finish line to another school year, and is often filled to the brim with extra activities making our family logistics a bit hairy. I also chose this word because I'm currently waiting on an answer that will effect the next few years. If I'm completely honest, I chose this word because I can struggle with the temptation to tie my significance to my doing rather than my being. 

But here's the thing- I don't want to miss the now, the present, even if it feels slow or mundane. I'm learning there is beauty in the present, and I can decide to be in the moment instead of thinking about the next one. Today I found that choosing to be present gave me more margin for others and surprisingly, spontaneous and meaningful ideas like bananagrams with grandparents and a late night delivery of chocolate chip cookies.  It also helped me shift my perspective - accepting where God has me, and also those around me that I might encourage.

As I finished up my journal entry I wrote this little prayer, or mantra, so I could come back to my intention throughout the day. If you have five minutes, I encourage you to find a place to be still and breathe as you say the words. Bonus: no fancy yoga clothes or mats required. 

I am present. 

I accept where I am and who I am in this moment with joy and gratitude. 

I am not here to prove anything but to just be. 

I give myself permission to be present with myself, those around me, and with God. 

I let go of any expectations or control. 

I am present.