In the Moment

For the many years that I have practiced yoga, instructors remind the class to stay in the moment; that is, not to think about what may have happened last night or what needs to be done after the class, to focus on your movements and your breathing at that moment. It's a type of moving meditation, and in class, I do it well. Outside of class is another story since I am a planner and a listmaker. While doing one thing, I often am thinking about another, making a list, making plans, looking ahead, until Caterpillar Girl joined our life.

Now I am in the moment often throughout the day. Of course, I still have a list of things that need to be done, but it is smaller and the deadlines more vague because I don't know what my baby will need or want and when. I don't plan an hour of dancing and swaying to They Might Be Giants. It happens because she needs it to happen. Surprising amounts of time can pass laying on the bed together making googly faces and singing silly songs. Preparing dinner, formerly a straightforward affair, happens in stages now with nursing, a diaper change, or a walk around the house breaking up the event. Spending the days with our little girl has taught me to be more meditative in my life, to enjoy the moment as it happens.