I feel like so much of our time is spent in and out of our thoughts, constantly playing with consciousness, with reality, and being in a couple places at once. It’s a unique and sometimes inconvenient form of traveling. I had a conversation that reminded me of what I consider the great set up - whether it’s work or school or in between, there’s always something you have to be doing, thinking of or planning on doing. Now, planning is a good thing but there’s a warning sign that pops up in letting the next thing obstruct or interfere with the present, as that may limit the capabilities of the present. People don’t talk enough about this. Life has many tense, almost choked; I’ve met people who are so consumed by what has them occupied (again, work, school etc.) that they don’t even recognize life outside of that. Why do we let ourselves forget that life is actually meant to be lived?

Technology is another factor that contributes to the great set up - texting while mid-conversation, being in a certain setting and mentally fixated on online interactions or something else you saw on the internet. It happens, we’ve all done it at least once. At times, we don’t even know that we’re doing so as we’re accustomed to it. The omnipresence of our devices, the recognized menace of having the world at our fingertips. Don’t get me wrong, technology and the internet 100% has its *many advantages; the matter I’m discussing are the unintended side effects of its accessibility.

I recently went to the beach after a long time inadvertently staying away from it. Its distinctiveness compared to other water bodies practically dissolved from my mind. I took a quick stroll, intermittently took breaks to (of course) glance at the views, but mostly did sand drawing and shell shopping *photos ahead*. My time there made me realize how long its been since I acknowledged the serenity that comes with waves and standing in front of the thing that boats call home. It was something I hardly cared or made time for. It’s one of those beautiful things that we tend to overlook or not pay much attention to, either because we’ve seen too much or seen enough of it, thereby, causing the casual disregard or escape from it rather than within it.

There are some instances where you can’t help but be present as you’ve likely sensed a uniqueness to them, like those ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences. Although, I think drifting away at certain times is necessary, like during an awkward situation or in a subtle attempt to conquer boredom. The thing is when we consider things too trivial to be worthy of our attention, we have an inclination to purposefully distract ourselves; but what if those ‘trivial’ things are just what we need to make our day(s)?!

Back to the particularity of being present - there are no two things capable of being exactly the same. Even in photography, we see this notion take effect pretty much every time. As breathtaking as photography can be, you still find people suggesting or saying things like ‘you had to be there to see it’ - latest example of this is when a friend sent some pictures of the Northern Lights. Same thing for when people try to reiterate a story, the story teller may say something like ‘it’s the way they said it’; then there’s the likelihood that the first time the story was told will not be the same as when it’s told a second time!

So, maybe let’s start/continue this being present thing and see how it works out. Let’s appreciate its singularity and take advantage of the ability to view and live through these moments as they morph into memories!

Happy New Year!

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