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!

Dealing with Chaos, Survival, and Love

By Sandy Hibbard

It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of our days. Frustration, procrastination, overbooked schedules, not enough money — the things we must deal with are endless. Each day presents its own set of challenges, and sometimes it feels like we’re barely keeping our heads above water. This morning was no exception for me.

As I juggled my work schedule around a doctor’s appointment, stole a moment to watch Paw Patrol with my grandson, and prepared for a business trip to New York, the anxiety threatened to overwhelm me. The last thing I wanted to do was drive to yet another doctor’s appointment, again to the dermatologist to have another damn mole removed. It all weighed heavy on my mind as I said goodbye to my family, but then my daughter’s words stopped me in my tracks: “Would you rather be dead? Would you rather be going to chemo?”

Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. Would I rather be dead? The answer, of course, was no. Chemo? Hell no! Despite the inconvenience, despite the fear of another procedure, I knew that facing these challenges was a privilege denied to many. It was a reminder to embrace life, even in its most chaotic and scary moments.

I guess you could say I’ve been on a journey of survival. Over the past 19 months, I’ve faced melanoma head-on. I have had around 13-14 moles surgically removed (I feel like a patchwork quilt!), two melanomas “dug out” along with lymph nodes, CAT scans and MRI’s — each procedure a stark reminder of the fragility of life. It’s a journey that has tested me in ways I never imagined, but it’s also a journey that has taught me the true value of my family and every moment that we draw breath.

Recently, I listened to an episode of the podcast Hidden Brain titled “Ventilator.” It explored our attitudes towards life and death, highlighting how we often talk big about not wanting to be on life-support when we are healthy and planning for the end of life, but when we are actually faced with the choice between life and death, we choose life without hesitation. It’s a powerful reminder of our innate will to survive, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It has helped me understand the UNDERSTATED will to live that my dad had when he was going through cancer, and that my mom has who is suffering from crippling scoliosis and dementia. No matter how old you are, you want to live!

Reflecting on my own journey, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of life. Each day is a precious opportunity to embrace all that it has to offer — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. The things we want to do and the things we loathe to do. It’s a reminder to accept each  moment we have, to cherish the ones we love, and to never take another day for granted.

So, what is your heart feeling? What is your soul going through? In the midst of life’s chaos, take a moment to pause and reflect. What pisses you off, turns you on, gives you strength? And what’s up with love? For me, love is the driving force behind it all. It’s what gives me the strength to face each day with courage and resilience. It’s what reminds me that no matter how dark the storm may seem, there is always a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

This life — in all its messy, beautiful glory, is definitely worth embracing. Let’s seize each moment with gusto, knowing that we have the power to shape our own destinies. Let’s choose life, not just today, but every day. After all, would you rather be dead? I think not.

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

You don’t know what can happen tomorrow. Life is like a novel, isn’t it? It’s filled with suspense. You never know what’s going to happen until you turn the page.
~ Sidney Sheldon

Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement… get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.

~ Abraham Joshua Heschel

I could not have said it any better. This is living in the moment. This is having a childlike heart. It is not a mystical or religious thing, it is turning our minds toward a different gaze, one of infinite possibilities and the miracle of life.

XOXOXO Have an amazing Day!

Sandy

We are fragmented into so many different aspects. We don’t know who we really are, or what part of ourselves we should identify with or believe in. So many contradictory voices, dictates, and feelings fight for control over our minds that we find ourselves scattered everywhere in all directions, leaving nobody home. Stop then, get centered, quieten yourself and meditate. This is the only way to bring our mind home.

~ Sogyal Rinpoche

XOXO Sandy

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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.

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

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….

To be present in the moment and embrace each nuance of it is a gift we must learn to recognize, and there is no better teacher for this than love. Love unrequited, love satisfied, self love, brotherly love, your love rejected, love grown cold, love gone away, love nurtured, lusty love – in every case, love will shake you to your hearts core all while showing us that we are really not in control.  No one is in control. We learn to let go in love. We learn to hold on through selflessness, giving, thinking of ourselves second. We learn the power of “other” and humility when a decision is made and we know that someone else will embrace, acquiesce, or defiantly reject it. We are not in control of other’s behavior, affections, or desires. So if we are getting what the Universe is giving, we are practicing opening our hearts and becoming increasingly aware of each moment. Acknowledging gratefully the power of letting go and with a strong will accepting responsibility for our own behavior. In times when I long for more (you know those old friends “want and desire”?), I stop, take note, and speak to the brevity of the day and the infinite possibilities that teem within me. Those reality moments are my eternity, cherished. They bring peace and acknowledge that I am enough, allowing me to give back the gifts the Universe has given.
~ Sandy Hibbard