This is a big day! Today marks a significant celestial event, one that has captivated humanity for centuries: a total solar eclipse.

As the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow upon our planet, we are reminded of the vastness and wonder of the universe. There has been a huge buzz about it all, and rightfully so, things like this don’t happen every day. It breaks the mundane, and gives us all something to go outside and experience together.

But amidst the fascination and anticipation, I can’t help but think about it in a different perspective – a perspective rooted not in the grandeur of the cosmos, but in the quiet beauty of our everyday lives.

Today’s eclipse is indeed a remarkable phenomenon. Scientists and astronomers have meticulously calculated its trajectory, mapping out its path across the globe. We’re told that such an event won’t happen again for another two decades or so, adding to its allure and significance. But what about that smile of delight on your two-year-old’s face today? Will you ever see anything quite like that again?

Will today, in the moment when the eclipse passes over your head, be any more dazzling than witnessing the infectious laughter of your child? In 20 years, you may see a completely different human smiling, laughing, but it won’t be the same as today.

All I am saying is that these moments can be easily overlooked, deemed ordinary or insignificant, and if you’re not careful, be lost. Yet, they possess a magic that transcends even the most spectacular celestial events.

These simple pleasures define the essence of our lives, reminding us of the importance of being present in the here and now.

In a world consumed by the pursuit of success and material wealth, it’s easy to lose sight of the simple beauty that surrounds us. As the Moon moves across the Sun today, we will be enthralled and in awe, of course. Take a mental snapshot of what’s happening around you – capture the smiles, the laughter, and the fleeting moments of joy. And remember, true happiness is not found in some big, grand event, but in the love and connections we share every day.

Love and Joy!

Living in the moment is all the talk these days, but let’s face it, it’s easier said than done! Especially when we’re caught up in the whirlwind of daily life, juggling work, family, and everything in between that vies for our attention. That’s why I always say that living in the now is a “practice”, a discipline that requires focus and intentionality. In this tech society we all live in, we are addicted to the stimulus that sends us chasing after 10,000 shiny objects every day!  And in all the noise, we RESIST even the slightest whisper of quiet. We pick up our phones and start scrolling on every down moment we have. We’re trying to fill that space, but it only increases our boredom and takes us further away from our goal of embracing the present moment.  Here is a nugget of wisdom, maybe it’s time to learn the art of embracing boredom!

I think boredom gets a bad rap. You see, boredom isn’t just a sign of laziness or lack of stimulation. It’s an invitation to pause, to disconnect from the constant stream of distractions, and to simply be present with ourselves and our surroundings. It can be a catalyst for greater presence and mindfulness.

Living in the now isn’t just about experiencing fleeting moments of joy or excitement; it’s about fully immersing ourselves and accepting where we are in our life, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.

Imagine you’re out for a stroll, the sun kissing your skin, birds chirping in the distance, and the gentle rustle of leaves under your feet. Suddenly, you’re struck by a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of the world around you. That, my friends, is the magic of presence.

But hold on, I know what you’re thinking. “But Sandy, I’ve got bills to pay, deadlines to meet, a thousand things on my to-do list!” I hear you, I really do. But here’s the thing: living in the moment doesn’t mean shirking responsibilities or ignoring the future. It’s about finding pockets of presence amidst the chaos, however small they may be.

As Eckhart Tolle reminds us, the present moment holds no problems; our worries and anxieties belong to the past or the future. So why not focus on what is good and beautiful right now (the wow is happening now!)? Even mundane tasks like cooking dinner, doing laundry, pulling weeds, or corralling wild kids can become opportunities for mindfulness and appreciation – when we are present.

In our world, where instant gratification is the norm, boredom has become somewhat of a lost art. But there’s something to be said for allowing ourselves to be bored, to sit with our thoughts and emotions without the need for constant stimulation.

Now, I’m not saying we should all quit our jobs and spend our days frolicking in meadows (although, wouldn’t that be nice?). What I’m suggesting is a shift in perspective, a conscious effort to embrace the beauty of the mundane, the everyday moments that often pass us by unnoticed.

Our mind is a fascinating place. In itself it is rich with seeds of possibilities that can grow into ideas and passions and wonderful creations. The culprit in our society today is that we are very spoiled on being able to pick up a device and entertain ourselves, ignoring the spaces we are given for self discovery. Again, there is something to say for boredom.

Think back to your childhood, to those lazy summer days when boredom was a badge of honor, a sign that you had the luxury of time to spare. What if we could reclaim that sense of wonder and curiosity, even in the midst of our busy adult lives?

So, the next time you feel the urge to reach for your phone or tablet in moments of boredom, why not try something different? Step outside, breathe in the fresh air, or just stand up and walk!  Allow yourself to be fully present in the beauty of the moment. It may just be the most fulfilling experience you’ll have all day.

Remember this: boredom is not the enemy, but a gentle nudge from the universe to slow down, to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. So go ahead, embrace the boredom, and let it lead you on a journey of self-discovery and presence. After all, as they say, the present moment is the only moment that truly exists.

With warm affection,

© Sandy Hibbard

Dating back to the time of Julius Caesar, the concept of Leap Year was introduced to synchronize the lunar and solar calendars. Perhaps it is humanity’s way to find order amidst the chaos of existence.

Leap Year has also been associated with various traditions and superstitions. From marriage proposals to the belief that leap days are unlucky. But beyond the folklore lies a timeless lesson – the importance of making the most out of every moment.

With the gift of an extra day, Leap Year becomes an invitation to complete unfinished tasks, ignite fresh creativity, and catch up to the orbit of our lives. Metaphorically speaking, you can leap past your problems and insecurities, leap past the order of things, and redefine your own personal routines. Leap into your creativity, leap into love, leap into a daydream!

We are usually so busy staying on track with the demands of life and work that we often get out of sync with ourselves and with the things we really want. We have to catch up. We do get ahead of ourselves sometimes just like our world order gets a little behind the earths orbit. Our own psyche can also dictate the way we move so that we too get behind in our own enlightenment and growth. It takes a conscious moment to sometimes catch us up to knowing and being our true selves.

As we embrace Leap Year, let us not merely view it as a quirk of the calendar but as a gentle nudge from the universe to live fully and authentically. Whether it’s taking a leap of faith in our personal endeavors or simply relishing the beauty of the present moment, let us honor this extra day with gratitude and purpose.

This is a leap year, the system gave us an extra day in this year to catch up to the real movement of time. What will you do with this opportunity?

© Sandy Hibbard

Photo © Sandy Hibbard

XOXO Sandy

* * * * * *

Love Let Go Flow
Ahh life – the ever unpredictable, changing ebb and flow of love, understanding, joy, ecstasy and pain, longing and desire. There is no other way to navigate it except by lifting the rudder and allowing the current to take you out to the beauty of the unknown.
Two seconds… the first is gone and the second… is here.
Embrace it, love it, be in it.

* * * * * * *

© Sandy HibbardImage © Lisa Kristine and available at LisaKristine.com

Stop. Wait a minute. It’s over, 1993.

The years you’ve slaved, whipped the crack of dawn,

they’re gone.

Go ahead. Take a break in the middle of the day, feel the sun.

Lay on your bed, feet in the air, gazing out your window…

watch as the breeze floats the curtains gently across your face

tickle-ing your nose

making you sneeze.

You deserve it, it’s time to just let go.

Pour that glass of wine, take a walk along the street – and don’t forget your camera.

Catch the shots as dusk rolls out and nighttime becomes amorous as the skyline awakens,

twinkling, dancing,

glamorous.

You have 10,000 hours, you’re the expert on your living,

on your loving, on your reason.

The world is your oyster, it’s finally your season.

You’ve paid your dues, kept some unpaid, you gave your time for the charade.

You gave your years

to busy-ness,

the hustle and the stress,

the extra nights…

STOP

It’s time to rest.

Get a seat on the subway, ride a train or catch a jet,

see this world and learn to soar.

Get a sweet treat. Drink a coffee. Look at people. Find amore.

It’s okay, you have permission, no one’s watching,

no one’s listening.

Expect your best, demand your freedom.

Looking back 10 years from now, you’ll finally see what it is I see –

Hold close this moment only, let all else go

and just BE.

© Sandy Hibbard

“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.”

~ Henry David Thoreau

“I constantly catch my mind planning out my future. I might be thinking about where to have dinner (the very near future), dreaming of my next home (the few years away future), deciding on my next travel adventure (the hopefully this year future), or what type of shoes I want to buy next (the sometime this month future).

In my mind, I am living in the future. Creating my next steps along the way. My brain just constantly planning, scheming, dreaming and thinking about what lies ahead.” ~ Of Undisputed Origin

This blog post stopped me in my tracks. So true that we are always working up something for the future. I think it takes a lot of practice to stay in and relish in the present moment. I continue to work on being aware, and to skillfully learn to use my presence to keep me focused on what is before me.

I have learned more of this practice since having my first granddaughter. She has overwhelmed me with the beauty of presence, the innocence of life and the brilliance of discovering each little burst of growth. And I have noticed it by simply being aware. I think we grow more and more aware when we allow ourselves to BE love. Maybe as we learn more about love we are moved to awareness on a different level… perhaps as we grow in age and wisdom we embrace the simplicity of being in the now.  Whatever the answers, don’t miss out on what is happening right now in you and without you – as Thoreau said, “… find your eternity in each moment“.

XOXOXO

Featured image: Roma (2018 film) by Alfonso Cuarón

I love the feeling of taking off

Kinda helpless you just let go of all control

Feel the speed in your muscles and the roar of the engine in your head

All that force gently tacks you to the back of your seat

You simply have to submit to the gravity on your body

So refreshing to not worry about doing anything – just letting go to another’s control

Trusting

Feeling everything in your body

And knowing there is nothing you can do but just be.

© Sandy Hibbard Flying to Chicago 

Nothing makes me feel more one with nature than being by the sea. There is something about the vastness of the ocean that makes you realize just how small you are, yet how important our contribution is to the big picture.

Becoming aware of ourselves is a beautiful thing. Embracing the moment is even more, it’s enlightening. The sea and it’s veracious power is humbling, requiring us to be steady and grateful. This is how I feel about it. The ocean and its waves move me to thought and inner prose – poetry of the heart, if you will, and instills hope. We are all but a spec in the sands of life. How will you, will I, respond to the unique and diverse calling of the ocean within us?

Love and peace from Tulum….

“What is this feeling of love,
life,
freedom,
exploration,
beauty?
I feel it all in one breath.
In one sound of his voice.”

Photo by Sandy Hibbard at Lensqueen.com
Amsterdam Hotel

“Stay in each moment. This is how all stories are written. Each moment glides into the next and the next and the next. Each day is its own universe as it travels through time – all orbiting around the sun. Love.”
~ From a conversation with my friend Dorsey Mchugh 

 
 
Image from BethMoon.com : Listening to the Sky