Right now is our responsibility. Our concern for this moment is all that is necessary or possible. We cannot do anything about the past and circumstances control the future. Many hang hopes and dreams on the future or memories and regrets in the past without receiving the joy and fulfillment of the present moment.
Each breath we take brings a new right now. If we practice experiencing the present moment, we can always find happiness, peace and joy.
Why does society take life on such a serious note? Life offers a gift of joy, love and laughter. We taste joy and love but forget to enjoy the laughter. We have the gift of laughter. Why not play with it?
Here are some fun exercises:
Monday: Let’s get acquainted with ourselves. When was the last time we smiled? Have we giggled recently? What about laughter heard by others? When was the last time our stomach hurt or tears rolled from heartfelt laughter? Will you come play with me?
Tuesday: Let’s express some energy. Be a cheerleader. Give me an "L" . . . Give me an "A" . . . Give me a "U" . . . Give me a "G" . . . Give me an "H" . . . Give me a "T" . . . Give me an "E" . . . Give me an "R" . . . On the count of three, stand up and LAUGH. One . . . Two . . . Three!
Wednesday: Let’s take colors into life's playground to see what emotions and hear what thoughts they stir within. What feeling do we experience in colors? Does blue give us smiles? Self-assurance? Can you smell the freshness? Does red initiate energy? Do you feel its warmth? Is yellow a giggle? Carefree? What about green? Does it bring a chuckle? Sincerity?
Thursday: Let’s taste a laughter pill. We can find ten minutes to roll with laughter. We will think about the little blunder we made yesterday. We begin with a smile. Then a giggle. Now, we laugh aloud. We begin to bend over in a delightful belly laugh. Tears roll from a healthy foot-stomping guffaw.
Friday: We will count our smiles today. We are looking for 100 smiles. There is only one rule. They must be given to others. Experiencing the moment takes away all selfish anxieties, depression or any feeling of defeat and gives instead, hope and joy. If we allow ourselves to taste only this moment, goodness is happening.
By finding contentment with living in the present and by sensing the fragrance of gratitude for each situation as it rises, we can receive a joy deep within our spirit. This is often indefinable because it is not of the mind.
To live for now is a joy unspeakable. The joy we have in this moment is greater than we have ever experienced. Each moment of new joy is totally fulfilling within itself. We can experience it in the wholeness of self that gives satisfaction, peace and assurance.
We cannot describe a universal definition for joy. It is exalted. We receive, through emotions, mind and spirit, a unique capacity to experience joy.
If we find ourselves bored, feeling a little sorry for ourselves or too busy meeting obligations, we can take a break by doing a special kindness for someone. It has a way of lifting our spirits beyond our expectations and can give the desire to take on the world.
The only time to receive the full fragrance of joy is at this very moment. We can hardly say we will experience joy when such and such happens or experience the full effects of joy when speaking of the past. It is something spontaneous that only happens in the present.
We can discover many ways to experience each moment. Conscious observations can give a new view of life and free us to enjoy right now in its entirety.