The Power of Being Present

Hello Friends!

Recently, I pledged for the day to be in the present and notice the beautiful things around me. 

To go all in, I set out on a run along the Snake River levee.  I chose the path that offered more shade to protect me as the mercury climbed to 85, by the end.

After 40 minutes of running, I came upon a senior lady, one whom I often see during my morning jogs.  She stands out with her recumbent 3-wheel bicycle.  She was stopped in the middle of the path. 

Curious, I stopped to ask how she was doing and if she had sufficient water for this hot and humid morning.  (I’m not sure what I would have done if she needed water.  I hadn’t thought that far ahead.)

Her response took me by surprise - she was taking a “nature’s sensory break,” fully immersed in the sights and sounds around her.  This struck a chord, reinforcing my commitment to staying present.

In the whirlwind of daily life and unending to-do lists, we overlook the simple pleasures surrounding us. 

Venturing outdoors and engaging our senses can be truly transformative.  It’s an absolute game-changer! 

5 Key Takeaways From My “Being Present”, Run:

1.       Mindfulness and Healing - Zen:

Set your intention to absorb the sounds and sights.  The magic is in physically being there.  Try to focus only on sight and then switch to only sounds.  These sensory experiences can melt stress away, replacing it with a feeling of peacefulness.

2.       Trusting Your Intuition – Nature’s Magic:

The inner voice we often disregard becomes more distinct when we’re outdoors and genuinely in the moment.  Nature amplifies our instincts, facilitating problem-solving, idea creation, and clear decision-making.  I often use my phone to record ideas that arise during these outdoor moments.

3.       Expansion of Confidence: 

Feeling the sun, breeze, and yes, even sweat on your skin, highlights the amazing circuitry of our bodies.  Exploring nature can boost your self-confidence and resilience. Who cares about others’ opinions when you are embracing your authentic self?  Embrace your inner calm and wear that smile inside and out!

4.       Gratitude: 

Remember those breathtaking fall trees, the scent of blackberry and lilac bushes?  Nature is full of small wonders. Gratitude will easily bubble up when you are in the present enjoying the outdoors.  Like that (un)adorable squirrel dashing up a tree (and I must admit, I’m grateful it scurried away. 😊).

5.       Heart-to-Heart Moments - Connecting:

Visualize you and your friends gathered around a campfire, sharing stories and laughs.  There’s something magical about nature that brings people closer together.  Whether it’s a solo adventure or a girls’ day out, the outdoors provides the backdrop for unforgettable moments and heart-to-heart talks.  

The outdoors is the place I go to get centered.  Nature knows exactly how to alleviate stress and spark creativity.  Nature is the escape we all need to explore ourselves more fully. 

When we step outdoors, embracing our senses, we unlock doors to mindfulness, self-discovery, empowerment, and profound connections.  It’s like a big, warm hug from nature, reminding us of our fierce, beautiful essence. 

So, what’s holding you back? 

Let’s go bask in nature’s beauty and allow our senses to guide us toward an empowered, present existence. 🌿🌼🌞

To Your Joy!

Wendy