Maintaining health, cultivating presence

 
 When we step on our yoga mat, we usually have multiple aims.
 
Maintaining health
We know we need to maintain our back health so that it isn't tweaky, or our knees need constant love (mine do). We might know that we need to unwind tension or relax our tight shoulders. We probably know that our nervous system is highly charged and could do with a reset, or that our energy is dissipated and needs refreshing. 
 
But at the same time as taking care of our bodies and minds, we are simultaneously stepping into a closer relationship with the present moment.​

Our practice invites us to leave behind the noise of the day. To step back from the constant demands of our to-do list and our relationships. And spend a closer moment in relationship with ourselves. Tuning out of the external demands, and tuning in to ourselves. 
 
Cultivating presence
Presence is a word that is worth spending a moment with. This felt and immediate sense of every moment is always with us.
 
It is here right now available to check in with. 
 
And it is easily and frequently overlooked. 
 
Life is full or distraction and noise. Being more fully present in our day allows us to enjoy the fruit of each moment more fully, to appreciate what a gift it is to take the breath we are taking, and to appreciate and get the most from the fleeting nature of the current stage of life that we are in. 
 
Don't miss it
Before we wish the day away and want to get to the glass of wine at the end of the week, know that this moment, right now, is as good as when you finally sit down and enjoy your wine. The sip of wine isn't any better than the breath that you are taking now. Your frame of it is different.
 
This moment is immediately here to notice as a fresh, spacious inspiration. The same awareness and presence is available now but is easily overlooked in preference for dreaming ahead or being busy with activity.
 
When you get to Friday, you might be looking ahead again, or busily multi-tasking, and miss the sublime moment of wine in the glass. 
 
Worth being here
Every time we get on our mat it is an invitation to be more present. To practice and cultivate paying closer attention to what is right in front of us, and allowing the other demands to drop away. 
 
I hope you find moments every day to practice this, as the more you spend time noticing the present moment, the sweeter life becomes.