The Importance of Living in The Moment

My mother passed away on August 5, 2008.  Prior to her death, I was commuting about an hour 3-5 times a week to be with her in the hospital and as we got closer to the end, my days were often conducted from her room.  I was never very good at the notion of living in the moment. In fact, I could hardly understand the concept.  But these last weeks I've not only been forced to learn to live in the moment, but I've grown to appreciate the importance of it.

While my mom was sick, and after her death there was much to do and my single number one priority was to be with her and later to ensure that her last wishes were carried out.  Business deadlines came and went.  Projects and potential new clients were put on hold.  Emails and phone calls were not returned within the very same day.  And in fact, this is the first post I've written here at ArtLOOK since my mom left us.  Because the future was quite unknown, I was unable to make plans or commitments for the next hour let alone the next week.

Over the days, my thinking became increasingly focused.  Thoughts and decisions were made thoughtfully and judiciously.  Oddly I found myself very calm.  There was a great deal of sadness in those days but there was also much less "hurry up" stress and much less the feeling of hectic living.  Each task was singularly focused and I knew that what I was doing at any given time was "exactly what I needed to do."  There wasn't the pressure of thinking ahead to the 20 other tasks that required tending.  I KNEW those other tasks would get taken care of at the proper time.

My mom often said "Every cloud has a silver lining."  It is my hope, that in some way, the lessons I learned from her passing will enable me to live a better life.  A parent never stops teaching their child... right up and after they have left this world.

Comments

[The Dan Ward]

So sorry to hear about your loss, Lisa. It's good to see you back blogging again, and I am glad to hear you were able to spend some reflective, unhurried time with your mom.

Peace,
Dan

[cat]

I lost my father-in-law over a year ago. He's always in my thoughts, which in a way, is a tribute to the impact he had on my life.

Hugs Lisa!

[Mark Randall Kilburn]

Lisa,

My Condolences. Been there, done that, with my mom, never ever easy. Kudos to you for your self-awareness