Yoga, Being Present, Being a Writer

Grand Canyon area MM Sikes

For almost a year, I've taken a yoga class once a week. It's important to me for stretching, balance, and an overall feeling of well-being.

Tonight, at the end of the class where I tried to practice poses and more, I thought about how yoga and being present are related. As a writer, I always seem to be thinking and living in the future. Perhaps that's the way writers have to live their lives--writing, planning, and conceiving ideas for the next book. Sadly, we have to plan how to schedule and promote that next project. As workers and planners, we are never in the present. At least, it seems I'm not.

However, when I'm in yoga class, I have to be in the present, following directions for the stretches and poses. There, I am being in the present and living for the moment.

Living for the moment. What a refreshing concept!

Being a flower. Being a mountain. Being a piece of the magnificent Grand Canyon. Not thinking, not planning.

Being in the present! How good is that!!?