I recently came across the Instagram account of @juanita_powell who lives in Melbourne. One of her posts completely resonated with me and totally relays how I approach every day. I've typed that post in it's entirety below. It's long, but worth the read. I've added my own pictures, of course, that visually portray the feeling behind the words.
If I could wish one thing for everyone reading this, it would be that you be absolutely present in every moment of every day.
When was the last time you thought about how amazing "life" is and everything and everyone that's in it? I spend a lot of my day having my mind blown by just this notion, and it's a deliberate thought process to ensure not a single blessing moment passes me by.
Think about it for a second, please. Stop whatever you're doing and just be present, right now, wherever you are. Look around you and think about everything in your picture. What can you see? What can you hear? What can you smell? What can you taste? What can you feel?
Wow, right?
I think about the weather a lot. I think it's the farmer's daughter in me. How these clouds are formed. How it's hot one day and cold the next, how rain can fall in one spot and be dry less than 20m away.
The pear I just ate, how much energy was taken to produce that. Each day, it's been on a journey to flourish and be plucked from a tree. It's sweetness, it's consistent pear shape year after year. Fruit, vegetables and flowers are incredible. Each meal or bunch I have, I gaze for a few moments to appreciate the effort each one has taken to have thrived.
Even Mankind has produced some amazing inventions that day after day we take for granted. Don't. Marvel at it. Be thankful for it. Nothing in life is mundane. Nothing. Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed or self-absorbed in "Juanita's World", I take myself outside, look up and fill my lungs with Mother Nature's free anti-depressant/mood stabiliser-oxygen. And in that moment, I take in life, everything around me and give thanks for the blessing to be able to indulge each of my senses.
Don't ever allow yourself to get caught up in the glorification of busy. Don't let life slip you by -- don't exist . Use each of your senses today and reconnect with how amazing Mother Nature [is] and everything she provides us with.
Wishing each and every one of you a most beautiful and blessed day.
34 comments:
WOW! What beautiful words by Juanita and very wise ones too. Conscious living at its best. Beautiful images from your day, Tammy. xx
Such a beautiful post and you have included the most lovely photos. Love the shadow pic especially. Great thoughts here!
Being fully present in the moment sounds like it should be a natural thing, and easy to do...so why do I find it so difficult? I try to remind myself, but have to do it over and over, every day. Worth trying, though!
Tammy? That was beautiful. I LOVED it. We can get momentarily bogged down in "busy," can't we? I mean, I do.
But I'm going to be more cognizant of Juanita's calmer-downer--------nature! Oh yes I am!
Thank you so much . Your photos, by the way, are great! Susan
Thank you for such a lovely, thoughtful post, Tammy.
Tammy...thank you so much for sharing Juanita's words, and for your photos. I did stop and look around as she suggested. I saw a room filled with my treasures, decorated (for lack of a better word) in the way that I love...very comforting...home). Many times I have started the New Year by saying as my resolution or goal...live in the moment. And I always found it to be hard...forced. But Juanita's words seem so perfect...so wise. I think it will be easier now.
Thanks again...I know I can apply this to many moments in my day!
XO,
Jane
Oh, my. Her words and your pictures are a great collaboration. There is enough in her post to think about and practice -forever. Thank you, Tammy
Thank you for sharing these special words and thoughts Tammy. I try always to do many of those things Juanita addresses - especially looking at fruits and vegetables and trying to picture their growth in rain, wind and sun - and being thankful they've made it to my kitchen due to the hard work of farmers. Sometimes we take things for granted, but stopping, thinking, looking about, and being grateful doesn't take a huge effort, and when you do this you certainly learn to appreciate all life gives and you feel blessed.
Happy week ahead Tammy.
Mary x
Thank you for the reminder. This is a wonderful post and pictures. Lots to think about.
Blessings,
Betsy
Beautiful thinking. Thanks Tammy for posting it. I also have such feelings, especially when i have that time to think about it. I look forward to our weekends with hubsand so much because thsi time when I can be with him and we can do simple things together, even if it really nothing special.
Have a blessed week Tammy! Be happy/.
I do this too.. I try to appreciate the moment as often as possible. Today I was appreciating being here at the coast in our little cozy home away from home. Tomorrow we head back to reality. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Thank you for sharing Tammy it's beautiful and it's so true of course:)
Beautiful thoughts Tammy! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Tammy,
As always, beautiful post with beautiful pictures... truly inspiring. Thank you! And have a fabulous week..
Sometimes it is so hard to stay in the 'present' isn't it? Our mind is always racing ahead as to what has to be done next, worrying about the future, and everything that is trying to grab our attention at that moment.
An inspiring post Tammy!
xo Catherine
A wonderful reminder and that's also how I try to live my life. I really don't understand people who are always speeding fast in their car on their way to work.... I don't get those people and never will. I'm the opposite.... I'll take my time and even be late, if it means turning off the road to get a good photo of a beautiful sunrise or some wildflowers. My distractions are of the good things in life. I was just telling my husband yesterday as I was sitting at the table, picking Hyacinth Bean seeds out of their pods (for planting) that seeds amaze me. I mean - in something that appears dead, there is life. What a miracle that is.
Hope you enjoy another beautiful day of living,
Linda
beautiful post thank you
Thank you for sharing this, Tammy. It's beautiful, and your pictures really bring it home. It's so easy to take the mundane everyday for granted. Thanks for reminding us how precious life is. Blessings :-)
hello Tammy,
When we all live in such a busy world, it takes practice and persistent to remember to enjoy each day..the days seem to travel by at lightening speed. I am totally blessed to live the life I love with the people I love doing what I love and meeting like minded women such as your self adds joy to my day!
Thank you for sharing this, Tammy. It is a wonderful post and your pictures go beautifully with the words. I do try to think in this way, and to appreciate each moment, knowing how fast time goes!
Wishing you a wonderful week.
Helen xox
That is beautiful. I am thankful for the effort you put in sharing those words of wisdom alongside lovely pictures. It's a great wake up call.
I just love this reminder....thank you.
Life truly is an amazing gift. I'm filled with gratitude each day. Thank you for sharing Juanita's thoughts with us all.
Dearest Tammy,
Lovely photos with lovely recipe for life!
Indeed, we must enjoy ALL the little things life offers us for those are the true moments of happiness. Most people waste their time in chasing the big things that are not within reach and therefore they miss out on happiness.
Glad you got your Gardenia blooming!
Sending you hugs,
Mariette
Beautiful words! Thank you so much Tammy for sharing it with us.
Thank you Tammy - what a good reminder. And your photos were perfect for it - I especially loved Jingles living in the moment, and the pigeons, and the light shining through your curtains. :)
Beautifully written and illustrated so well with your lovely photos dear Tammy ♥...
I could not agree more and approach life just this way...
each moment is truly a gift...
often while sipping water I think what a blessing it is to have clean fresh water to enjoy anytime...
oxo
Magnificent Tammy... your photos illustrate it so beautifully... and I so agree, life is so short... and the beauty is right here in this moment that I am typing this note to you and thanking you for it.. Muah!
Hello Tammy
Lovely photos a feast for the eyes. Beautiful photo of kitty standing up x
Thank you Tammy for finding this and taking the time to share it with us. If only we could always be present and enjoy every moment of our miraculous time on this earth. I shall try to do better at honoring my blessings. As I age I do find more pleasure in my life and acceptance for so much more than when I was young and stupid and impatient and naive. Blessings Dear...you are a gift and I am thankful!
What a beautiful post! Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Beautifully said... Life is a gift! Thank you for sharing. Wishing you a wonderful day!
wonderful thoughts behind that post. I do try to think of those things myself, but I can say I have NEVER once considered the effort a plant or tree puts in to produce the fruits and veggies we eat. Must think about that some.
A wonderful philosophy to live by. I am a counter of blessings and believe in stop and smell the roses. Thank you for reposting this, it's always good to be reminded not to take life for granted.
Post a Comment