One

Molly before

and after the groomers.

Do you ever have days that are harder than others to love what is? You know, where you try to play the glad game and think of something to be glad about in a situation where you don't really feel all that happy? Yeah, well today was one of those days. Luckily the girls came to the rescue and invited me to lunch for Naomi's birthday at Cafe Rio and I was very GLAD that I could go, if even for a quick bite to eat and to catch up on every one's holiday before running off to the rink to teach some lessons. I was glad that I took Molly to the groomers, as she was really needing a bath and I was glad that I did, as I learned that she has an ear infection that I need to get her some medication for from the vet. I was also glad that I had a project to work on, organizing the laundry room closet. 



During the process...



  



Closet before...

I can't post the after pictures, as it isn't finished yet. I am also glad that I was able to take Max to his Lightning game tonight. Ben was working until 10:30. He took a break from working to come and watch Max play his two 50 second shifts of the game tonight against the "AA" Grizzlies team, Max made it on a competitive team, that likes to win all their games. They still didn't win this game though, it was a close 4-3 loss for the Lightning.

In his book "The Power of Now" Eckhart Tolle outlines the principles in the book deal with shedding the constraints of the so-called "Little Mind" or ego which according to Tolle have cloaked our existence and made us lead lives focused on the past and the future, with little consideration for the possibilities of the "now." The practices that help to realize the power of the "now" are simple in themselves; yet as with all spiritual practices the simplest things are often the most difficult. I was listening to this in the car today to try and practice one of the most difficult things for me.
Step 1:

Feel the presence of the "Inner Body" or your inner or "energy" self as many times as you can each day. This involves simply taking a moment to connect to yourself and observe your inner state. Do this after waking, before sleeping and as much as possible make it a constant practice.

2:

Observe yourself without judgment. Harnessing the power of the "now" is all about realizing that you are more than the "Little Mind" which constantly chatters away inside. If you step back from yourself and simply observe, you will realize that it is the "real" you who is observing the Little Mind. The Little Mind becomes silent when it is being observed, as children often become silent when they realize an adult is listening in on their make-believe play.

3:

Be present in whatever activity you are doing. If you are washing the dishes, listen to the sound of the water; smell the scent of the dish washing liquid---all without judgment. This will stop your mind rushing off into the past or future and bring your focus into the 'Now.' Observing nature without thought (as to names of plants or animals) is recommended as a practice for being present in the now, as is observing your breathing and noticing the stillness in between breaths. These practices help to show the immense quiet and calm that surrounds our daily activities.

4:

Accept each moment as it is. Don't judge it; don't add a story to it. If a small irritation arises, acknowledge it as it is and let it go; surrender. The power of now is being able to surrender---this does not mean you become a door mat or a push-over. On the contrary; surrendering to each moment allows you to navigate the complexities of life and relationships with calm deliberation; with acceptance of who you really are and with love for those you encounter on your life journey.

5:

Continue observing, being present, accepting the moment and feeling the presence of your inner body until you are no longer practicing the power of now, but living it.

P.S. Did you notice that today is 1/11/11. Make it one day to surrender.