Romance the Present Moment!

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." -Buddha

So much has been written about mindfulness and presence, it's hard to say or add anything new. For the few of you who are not familiar with the concept, mindfulness is a spiritual practice that emphasizes being fully engaged with the present moment at all times. The concept suggests that the root of most suffering is dwelling on the past or anxiety about the future--and happiness is rooted in the present moment.

One thing that seems to be lacking in much of the mindfulness literature and common practice is the role of joy and romance. Mindfulness is not a burden or a hardship; it is breath of fresh air!

Yet, mindfulness is a practice, much like a relationship between two people. Both take a lifetime to develop...and both require active engagement.

Have you seen degrees of romance in relationships? Some relationships are hollow shells of what they once were...the couple essentially has become roommates--going through the motions. And other relationships are beautiful until the end. We've all seen a cute elderly couple who appear to be just as in love as when they first met.

Our relationship with the present moment has the same potential: hollow shell, or deep love until the end. The difference is continued romance.

Romance the present moment. Fall in love with what is!