Stay Present When Planning for the Future
By Theresa Shay
When I teach the importance of remaining present, the question often rises, “How can you live in the present moment when so many things require planning and preparation?” An experience I had earlier this week, watching my own mind, might illuminate how to handle this quandary.
Tuesday was slated to be a day of ice in Central Pennsylvania, and a Winter Weather Advisory had been issued. We were cautioned that although air temperatures would be above freezing, the recent deep cold had frozen the ground. Rain would freeze on the roads making travel dangerous.
I watched the forecast focused on the appointment I had scheduled in State College, a 30 minute drive from my home. I was eager for my appointment. Over the holidays I’d had a return of a challenge I’ve been dealing with in my shoulder. I was hopeful this appointment would bring some ease.
On Monday afternoon, with ice still forecasted, I called the office. “Is there any appointment later this week?” I knew this would likely lead to nothing, since I schedule with this practitioner months ahead so I can keep a regular rhythm of sessions. Furthermore, my own schedule is full enough that if there were an opening, I likely would not be able to make it.
Indeed, this was the reply from the kind woman on the other end of the phone: nothing available. “Let’s just wait and see what happens tomorrow,” she offered. We left the appointment on the books.
So far so good in the effort to make plans and stay present. You look at the information before you (ice forecasted, important appointment scheduled). You take action to see whether you can reschedule so you don’t miss your appointment no matter what the weather does. When the answer is no, you accept reality and go about your day.
The mind, however, may not let go of the situation. Pulled by desires and attachment, the mind begins to spin away from the present moment. Observe the shift in the energy.
Mind: What are we going to do? I want to be out of pain. I need that appointment.
Mind (loves to answer itself): Then we’ll just drive in no matter what. That’s why we got those winter tires.
Mind: But what if ice comes and we skid off the road like that time 20 years ago when we did that 360 on the bridge?
Mind: Then we’ll just not drive in tomorrow no matter what.
Mind: But how can we wait another month to be seen? We gotta get help with this pain.
Mind: Well, maybe the ice won’t be so bad in the morning.
Mind: (relentless) But, what if it’s not clear whether it’s safe to drive by the time we’d have to leave?
Bell rings
WITNESS MIND: Well, hellooooooo, hello, hello! How you doin’ down there with all that banter?
Mind: pauses, looks up
WITNESS MIND: You know, these thoughts are going in circles. None of this is based on any inputs currently available from the present moment. What do you say, maybe it’s time for some sweet, deep breaths?
Mind: slowly nods
WITNESS MIND: Great, you’re gonna love how this feels. First, feel the body. Now turn the attention to the breath. Inhale, Aaaauuuuuummmmmm. Exhale, Ahhhhhhhhhh.
Mind: more pause, more nods, more relaxing, more softening
WITNESS MIND: Great work there! Doesn’t this calm feel so much better? Listen, we’ll wait and see what happens tomorrow and go from there. You set this down now and leave the situation to me. I promise, I’ll keep an eye on it all for you.
Mind: nods, smiles, has nothing to say, skips happily off to the next delightful thing
Be wary of ice storms in the mind. Traveling in such weather is dangerous. It uses up your energy and will definitely leave you stranded. Instead, stay at home in your Witness Mind. When a forecast revs you up, turn to the calming breaths anchored in the Now. Connect to the present moment. Trust that from this connection, the future will unfold and you will know exactly what action to take when the time for action comes. Now, off you go to the next delightful thing.
Theresa Shay is the founding director of TriYoga of Central Pennsylvania, where she teaches weekly yoga and meditation online and trains others to teach TriYoga®. Each week, she shares wisdom cultivated from decades of TriYoga study and practice.
Learn more about her here. Theresa can be reached at Theresa@PennsylvaniaYoga.com. Find her on Instagram @theresa_of_triyoga for more inspiration and light.