The little pan with cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange is giving off its fragrance on the stove. The wonderfully autumnal 'forest bathing' tea is brewing. I stare out of the kitchen window a bit and see the squirrels in the tree, busily working on their walnut collections.
Moments like these pass us by so quickly. We're absent-minded, caught up in our heads, rushed or full of plans. But could you feel it as you read the text above? It brings a sense of calm, grounding and steadiness. An earthy feeling. Perhaps not so strange. Because by engaging your senses; by noticing the lovely scents, feeling the warmth of the brewing tea and seeing what's happening right in front of you, you automatically return to the 'now'. Personally, it usually makes me cringe a bit for chatter about being present in the 'here and now' and all that, but honestly? With my brain flitting about all over the place, I could well do with a good dose of grounding.
So I cherish these little moments. Little moments to feel grounded. To feel firmly anchored for a while. Sometimes outdoors, when I'm off wandering through the fields and woods again, sometimes simply whilst the tea is brewing. It doesn't have to be grand, complicated or done on a meditation cushion (please, no!), just plain and simple. Just seeing what there is to see, feeling what there is to feel, and noticing what wants to be noticed.
Often, after a little moment like that, I also know better what I need and how I'm feeling. Sometimes that's a touch disappointing (I'm often more tired or more overstimulated than I care to admit, and like everyone else I simply still have a hefty to-do list), but more and more often I don't push it away and try to listen to it. Doesn't a little moment like that do the trick? Then I lace up my walking boots and head out for a walk once more. Until the calm comes and things become clear.
What are your favourite ways to 'flitter' a bit less and ground yourself properly? Let's share tips!
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