In this week’s Wednesday Wisdom, Karissa reflects on the art of being present, and the joy of realizing you're already living moments you once dreamed about. A reminder to pause, breathe, and appreciate what this moment has to offer.
For the full meditation inspired by this reflection, search "The Art of Being Present - Sleep Wave".
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[00:00:27] Have you ever had one of those moments when you realize you're experiencing something you used to want? That happened to me recently. Not for the first time, I realized the incredible value of practicing the art of being present.
[00:00:43] I was with my son and we were walking down a path in a beautiful tree-filled park. The weather was perfect, 72 degrees with a light breeze blowing. He was toddling along beside me, fascinated with every flower or stick we came across, mesmerized by every barking dog or running child.
[00:01:05] He looked up at me and laughed at something that delighted him, and it hit me. It was such a simple moment, but it was something I had once imagined or seen in my mind's eye years ago. Something that I wanted, but wasn't sure when or how that would even come to pass. And here it was, happening in the present moment.
[00:01:29] I have been lucky enough to have these moments before. Moments when traveling or with a loved one or having a really cool career or artistic experience when I think, Wow! I want to remember this. I am thankful for this. I want to savor this. But what if there could be more of that in the day-to-day?
[00:01:53] What if whatever you did today was perfect and enough and exactly what you were supposed to be doing? Being present, here and now, is of course a large part of the practice of meditation. It is so easy, though, to be focused on the imagined future or past. I often think I should be somewhere other than where I am, doing something other than I am.
[00:02:19] I am frequently thinking about the next item on my to-do list or imagining something that happened earlier in my life and comparing it to what's happening now. Saying today is enough is like saying you are enough. What you have in this very moment is enough. This sentiment brings about a lot of gratitude in me and quiets down the need to do more and be more and accomplish more.
[00:02:50] So much of the time sleep is disrupted or is difficult to come by because our minds are whirling with what needs to happen tomorrow or with what happened yesterday. So, right now, stop. Breathe. Listen. Feel the bed beneath you. Hear my voice and any other sound in the room. If your eyes are open, really see the room you are in.
[00:03:17] If they are closed, visualize the room you are in. You are here now. This moment is enough. You are enough. There is nowhere else to be but right here.
[00:03:42] If your family enjoys the stories here on Sleep Wave and you're looking for something to listen to during the day, I think you'll love this. It's a podcast called The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian. It's a serialized science fiction story about an 8-year-old and his friends exploring space and solving mysteries, told in 15- to 20-minute episodes that are perfect for car rides or for winding down at the end of the day.
[00:04:09] The podcast is recorded by Jonathan Messenger and his son Griffin in the basement of their home and has a similar warm narrator feel that we have here on Sleepwave. It's built a whole host of loyal fans and even a shout-out from Time Out magazine who pointed out how much fun kids have following the cruise adventures, exploring new planets, meeting aliens, and helping shape what happens next.
[00:04:35] It's one of those stories kids can get completely drawn into and one I'm sure you'll enjoy listening to with them. So, if you're looking for a story podcast to share with your family, look for The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian on Apple Podcasts or head to gzmshows.com for more info. And be sure to tell them Sleepwave sent you. Thank you.