Vacation in the Now
Posted on June 26, 2009 - Filed Under Uncategorized |
Ever notice how a vacation can be so hectic that you return home and need a vacation? The packing, the traveling, the planning and organizing–when do we start the relaxing? Do you look forward to the enjoyment of the vacation or just gear yourself up for all you need to do to prepare?
In the past I really struggled with feeling overwhelmed before and during trips. I did not feel engaged in the pleasure of the moment because my mind was constantly going. There just seemed to be a great deal of planning and organizing involved in pulling off a ‘good’ vacation.
I used to worry about what to pack (as I notoriously arrive and am irked I didn’t pack something obvious). I would stress about what time to be to the airport, as if the end of the world would occur if we missed our plane. I used to mull over the itinerary during the trip or worry about spending. I didn’t enjoy traveling with me.
Eckart Tolle (along with yoga and meditation and therapy) has been a huge help in my state of mind. I now see that I am perfectly fine just as I am in any situation. I am fine if I miss a plane. I am fine if I forgot to pack underwear. I can handle anything that happens in my day or on my trip. What I cannot handle is basically missing the trip due to excessive and pointless worry. And all worry is pointless.
So now I look forward to vacations (while continuing to be fully engaged in the present). While on vacation, I work to stay present–enjoying every crash of the wave or giggle of a child. I cannot get those moments back if I am distracted from them. I cannot allow feeling overwhelmed or having worrisome thoughts steal my joy.
I challenge you to really be present in your next vacation. Try to savor every moment. Imagine you were describing it to someone–the sights, smells, tastes, feelings, sounds. Really be mindful of your surroundings. If you can master the art of being in the now during vacation, you may be able to translate some of this full engagement to your daily life. Being in the now is not just for vacations–it is best when used every moment of every day.
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