Photo by: Per Ola Wiberg

Living Mindfully--Hello Now

by Barbara Kosciewicz of "High Street Yoga"
Photo by: Per Ola Wiberg

Walking to the bus this morning listening to my middle son talk about his day ahead I was suddenly struck with an overwhelming feeling of love and warmth. This happens often in parenting but this time was different. Thousands of memories flooded before me; the memory of my boys as newborns and other parents saying “I don’t even remember what it was like when my kids were newborns”. My strong conviction to never say that or feel that; My vow to enjoy every single moment with them as infants and through each stage of their lives.

My next thought was immediately followed by the memory of a conversation yesterday morning with a yoga student soon to turn 69. She asked how old my boys are and I said 8, 10 and 12 and she said “oh you are in the thick of things” I nodded and my mind immediately thought of the night before when I had to do a 4-5 massage, have a friend pick up my middle son from an after school activity at 4:15, the oldest needed to be picked up at 5:30 from orchestra and the youngest needed to get to soccer at 5:45 and me to yoga by 7 and everyone needed to eat in the space of that. Sigh… Our life is on full speed ahead! But while my mind was churning with these thoughts she immediately said “enjoy every minute of it, because before you know it they will be grown up and on their own” All these thoughts sped through my brain in the moment of listening to my son talk about his day.

I struggle to find balance in our lives and to enjoy the chaos of three kids and three schedules. In the time to walk to the bus I remembered that yoga encourages us to consciously observe our experience; to live each moment in the present; to allow the mind to slow down, take a seat and be in the moment. Not to look ahead, but to simply be.

I teach ‘yoga’ every week. In class we move, breathe and relax. These techniques in and of themselves are transformative. However, to commit to yoga fully is to look at life inwardly. In class I often give the analogy of unpeeling the layers of an onion; little by little we find the center. By living mindfully we peel away everything that is not of essence to the true self. By living with an open heart and with attention to the details of our daily life the true self can shine.

Continuing on my journey through life with family, schedules, work and commitments I will keep in mind what is important to me in living my yoga. I will remember that life is a work in progress and will continue to unpeel each layer. I will repeat the mantras “I will commit to living my life fully in the present” and “all the answers are within me” and I will remember my conviction of the newborn days and enjoy each moment of life with family despite the chaos!

I stumbled on this poem that spoke to me called Hello Now. The first line felt like the conversation I had in my head this morning.

Today I returned
to the present moment
after a long train
of images and thoughts
and as if once again
encountering an old friend
I said out loud “Hello Now”
self-encouraging all
entrances into this,
the present

Say hello to your self, your moment and your truth.

Barbara is a mom of three boys, yoga instructor and massage therapist.

Like This Article

Like Mamapedia

Learn From Moms Like You

Get answers, tips, deals, and amazing advice from other Moms.

17 Comments

Barbara, thanks for sharing this beautiful thought with us. Jeaneth

I love the poem! A great reminder to slow down - thanks for sharing!

I am also the mom of 3 boys. Mine are ages 6 1/2, 3 (soon to be 4), and 2. Thank you for sharing this. I hope I can be as insightful as you, as I go through my life of chaos :) Jen

Great piece. I agree. I was so frustrasted with everyone telling me when I had my baby: "before you know it, she will be all grown up"- I vowed to enjoy second with her- even at 3 in the morning when I haven't had a decent night sleep in a while. So now when times get difficult with my 8 month old I say - "thank you for this experience". I can't really say I am "slowing" down the process but at least I know that I haven't taken one second with her for granted.

Thanks for pointing out the importance of those ordinary moments in our lives. Like your yoga student, my mother told me to enjoy every day with my children, because it would seem like the blink of an eye. Some of my favorite memories of my daughter and son growing up have been the most routine little things. And Mom was right - they're grown before you know it.

It's easy to get caught up in where we have to be next.... Wise words. Amanda

Thanks, I can relate as a yoga instructor that teaches 7 classes a week and with 3 kids in different activities. I do get sad from time to time thinking I am going so fast that I am missing so much. I try to take moments to cuddle on the couch and hold my kids in my arms for a quiet moment, even though they are 10, 8, and 4. I agree with you that I do remember what they were like when there were infants. I NEVER want to forget!
Thanks again for sharing.

I try to live life to the fullest everyday, but sometimes I forget to live in the moment. I am the mother of two great kids, 15 and 11. The time goes by so fast.........I am making memories today that will last a lifetime. ps. i love yoga

What a great post. Thanks so much for sharing!

Thank you for remind me what is important in life.....! I also have 3 boys almost in the same age than yours and sometimes it is hard to believe how old they are now.... How could this so fast happen? Well, no wonder if you don't have time to slow down... So, I don't want to say this again in 10 years....! Thank you for "stop" me and open my eyes!

Barbara - thank you for sharing this thought with us today. I just lost my father and it opened up many doors for me. You realize how short life is and how precious your little children are. Again, thank you for this!

Thank you for sharing this. Beautiful reminder.

Just what I need to start my day. Thank you so much. i am sharing this with everyone I know.

Amen! I am a single mother raising two amazing sons 71/2 and 10. I observe them while they play, talk and sleep capturing these precious moments of their childhood within my psyche. Occasionally, I tell them what they were like as babies and toddlers; they love to hear those stories, the looks on their faces tells me that this small act reinforces our bond. I believe it makes them feel loved and secure. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Thanks for your beautifully written sentiments. My kids are in college now, and I treasure all my memories. It's true that it's usually the little routine memories that give us the most pleasure. Taking walks, enjoying Kindermusik with each other, laughing together at our funny cats - these are the activities that remain with me now.

Leave a Comment

Required
Required (will not be published)
Required (to prove you're human)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on topic and not abusive
For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us
Want to become a contributor?
Want to become a contributor?

If you'd like to contribute to the Wisdom of Moms on Mamapedia, please sign up here to learn more: Sign Up

Blogs and bloggers we love

Recent Voices Posts

See all