Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, we often get caught up in the whirlwind of work and daily worries, forgetting the peaceful moments that surround us. We wake up in a rush, eat breakfast in a hurry, go to work in a hurry, come home in a hurry, eat dinner in a hurry, and fall asleep in a hurry.
How long has it been since we took the time to savor a cup of hot tea and watch the sunrise? How long has it been since we gathered with our family around the dinner table, sharing everyday stories? How long has it been since we hugged our children and felt the warmth of love?
Looking back, we suddenly realize, how have our children grown up so fast? They are becoming more and more distant from us.
Oh, where have we been in our lives all this time?
Our busyness makes us become indifferent to the beautiful things around us. We no longer notice the beauty of the small flowers blooming in the morning sun, the birds chirping on the branches, or the bright smiles of our children.
We are obsessed with chasing distant goals and vague futures, forgetting that “the future” is only built on the foundation of “the present”. We do not cherish the present moments, the simple things that are happening around us, and then we will ask ourselves: “What are we doing, who are we, what are we here for?”.
Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh has mentioned many times in his talks: “Live for the present moment, drink tea knowing you are drinking tea, exhale knowing you are exhaling.”
Let’s look back at ourselves, what are we busy with, what are we worried about, for the future, for our future life?
Let’s think again, for this present moment, we are indifferent to it, so what will our future be like, will we really see “the future” when it manifests into “the present”?
Take time for the quiet moments in life, to listen to your heart, to feel the presence of yourself and those around you.
Relax your mind and let go of your worries. Take a deep breath and feel the fresh air around you. Look at the simple things around you, to recognize the beauty hidden in every moment.
It could be the early morning sunbeams filtering through the trees, the birds chirping on the branches, the smiles of children, or simply the warmth of a cup of hot tea.
These moments are short but precious. They help us relax, regain balance in life and appreciate what we have.
They also help us connect with our loved ones, so that we realize that they are always there for us, love and care for us.
Give yourself and your loved ones those precious moments of silence. Live fully in every present moment, because that is life.
And remember, “the future” can only be built on the foundation of “the present”. When we cherish “the present”, we are also nurturing a brighter “future”.
Let’s start with small things, from the peaceful moments in life. Let yourself live fully in every moment, to feel true joy and happiness.
Cherish what you have, love those around you, and live fully in the present moment. That is the way to have a meaningful and happy life.
