Live in the moment instead of the events to reduce anxiety

Memories are often created in the unexpected delight of living in ordinary moments, the mundane. The stolen seconds of in-between. Our world can shout EVENTS are where the action is; our spirit whispers otherwise.

If you saw my calendar for the next three weeks, there isn’t much white space.

Our daughter’s wedding is quickly approaching, work commitments are increasing, and there are personal processes that require much time. All good things, all important things, but they could all be considered in the “event” category.

You likely have plenty of your own occasions penciled into the calendar.

When we put the big rocks in first

We spend much of our lives preparing for, and executing time specific activities. The big things.

Do you remember the common story motivational speakers like to tell about rocks? We have a container, and we fill it with the big rocks (events) and then pour in all the little rocks (lesser events) around them.

Hmm, this makes perfect sense for time management…but it really leaves a big lack I’d argue towards living well.

A perfectly orchestrated life leaves little time for embracing the unexpected. The unplanned is where life’s magic moments often await us.

Margin is a rich complement to a life well planned… one that allows us to live in the moment instead of the events.

“Forever is composed of nows”― Emily Dickinson

We find breathing room to celebrate life in Margin

Margin offers us breathing room to notice the world around us with unhurried eyes. We see things differently, experience emotions in a more peaceful way, and react to circumstance in a noticeably different way—when we allow breathing room.

Consider the changing cloud formations against a bright blue sky, shapes becoming new things right before our eyes! We don’t see them when our eyes are trained on advancing to the next event.

Listen to children laughing in a park, or the spring birds singing with enthusiastic measure, heralding in a new season. We don’t hear those things when our ears are tuning out the world to focus on getting things done.

Feel the slight breeze caress your cheeks as you walk outside, or snuggle a few extra moments against the soft cotton sheets, Marvel at these delicate luxuries. We don’t feel them when our brains are always two steps ahead.

“What day is it?” asked Pooh.
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.”
― A.A. Milne

Live with anticipation of the unexpected

When we embrace a life celebrating events AND purposing to live in the moments? There will find a comfortable and rich life. We experience the joy of wonder as we see the world around us with curiosity and gratitude.

Carve out those moments and if necessary, dump out all of the rocks and start over. Label one of the big ones as moments, instead of a commitment.

One more cool things about putting the stones in place…

In Joshua 4, rocks were used to commemorate a sacred place and create a memorial. In verse 6 tells us, “When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them…”

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”― Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is only a fragment of the story but can remind us the when we place our rocks of choice in our life, they can represent what we want to remember! What we chose to elevate as important in our moments…and events!

Perhaps we can consider the moments as stones we gather to tell our children and loved ones an important part of OUR story. One where we lived in the moments and not just events.

Breathe deeply and live with anticipation of the unexpected.

Your turn- what are the areas where you find the moments even more satisfying than the monumental events? If you enjoyed this post today, please share!