It’s the beginning of a brand new year. The time we reevaluate our life and think of resolutions we can make which would improve it. One way to make your caregiving life easier is to learn to embrace the present moment.One quote that has great impact in my life is from the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu:
“If you are worried, you are living in the past.
If you are anxious, you are living in the future.
If you are at peace, you are living in the present moment.”
It can take some time to release the worrisome knowledge that your loved one with Alzheimer’s will never return to the way she was before the disease. It can take effort to not be anxious about what the future will bring in the way of lessened abilities. Instead of focusing on the past or the future, I invite you to learn to embrace the present moment, especially when interacting with your parent with AD.
Think about this. Perhaps your parent is at the stage where she no longer can clearly remember the past, nor be able to envision the future. Therefore, by necessity, she lives in the present moment. By joining her at that level, you are able to open up a whole new world of experiences that the two of you can enjoy together.
This shift in my awareness brings me to an appreciation of all that is happening around me. When I focus on my blessings (the good parts that still exist), they grow and increase in importance in my mind. As I look for the good in the situation, I choose to keep my mind and heart open wide to experience the present moment. As I allow myself to relax into the present time and place, all else fades away.
We live in a state of gratitude and appreciation when we simply allow the present moment to unfold just as it is. The simple willingness to look and listen and be aware reveals whole new worlds of possibility.
As I quiet the noise of the outside world, I more clearly hear my inner wisdom... guiding my steps, whispering to me how to embody the blessings of each moment. As I attune myself and listen to my intuition without judgment, wonderful ways of living in the moment are discovered and embraced. The sound of traffic fades away as I focus my hearing on the melodies of the birds cheerfully singing their praises. They are living in their now moment and fully embracing it. Each time I hear bird song now, I will remember... to breathe... listen... and Be in the now moment. When I focus my attention on what my parent and I CAN do, I find that we CAN DO more. There are lots of ways that we can still interact together, sharing joy and companionship.
I expand the way I look at situations in order to see through the eyes of understanding. New visions of how to appreciate each moment flow into me with great clarity. I perceive the beauty expressed in each precious moment as I move through this mystery of life.
I turn my focus away from any appearance of lack and practice focusing my attention on the good which is in my life, right here, right now. An easy way to start is to embrace the magnificence of the world of nature that surrounds me. When I watch the opulence of the sunrise - as its luminous colors unfold before me - I will remember... When I watch the day’s sunset - as vibrant hues splash in dazzling contrast to a darkening sky - I will remember... Each sunrise and sunset I will remember to acknowledge that beauty surrounds me, as I center and anchor myself in the exquisite moment.
As I allow myself to become fully present in the moment, I set my intention to let go of directing my thoughts and instead choose to be guided by my inner wisdom, my intuition. When I make this conscious decision, I am filled with peace. I may no longer have the past or the future to share with my loved one, but we can both experience joy in our moments of connection. When we feed the ducks at the park we are totally absorbed in the charming interaction. Although mom may not remember it tomorrow, she is thoroughly enjoying the experience while it happens. For although there are periods for her when time seems to stand still, at other times her eyes can shine with delight as she revels in the joy of the moment. Focus your attention on creating these moments of joy to share. Join her there in the moment and life will be more rewarding for both of you.
“If you are worried, you are living in the past.
If you are anxious, you are living in the future.
If you are at peace, you are living in the present moment.”
It can take some time to release the worrisome knowledge that your loved one with Alzheimer’s will never return to the way she was before the disease. It can take effort to not be anxious about what the future will bring in the way of lessened abilities. Instead of focusing on the past or the future, I invite you to learn to embrace the present moment, especially when interacting with your parent with AD.
Think about this. Perhaps your parent is at the stage where she no longer can clearly remember the past, nor be able to envision the future. Therefore, by necessity, she lives in the present moment. By joining her at that level, you are able to open up a whole new world of experiences that the two of you can enjoy together.
This shift in my awareness brings me to an appreciation of all that is happening around me. When I focus on my blessings (the good parts that still exist), they grow and increase in importance in my mind. As I look for the good in the situation, I choose to keep my mind and heart open wide to experience the present moment. As I allow myself to relax into the present time and place, all else fades away.
We live in a state of gratitude and appreciation when we simply allow the present moment to unfold just as it is. The simple willingness to look and listen and be aware reveals whole new worlds of possibility.
As I quiet the noise of the outside world, I more clearly hear my inner wisdom... guiding my steps, whispering to me how to embody the blessings of each moment. As I attune myself and listen to my intuition without judgment, wonderful ways of living in the moment are discovered and embraced. The sound of traffic fades away as I focus my hearing on the melodies of the birds cheerfully singing their praises. They are living in their now moment and fully embracing it. Each time I hear bird song now, I will remember... to breathe... listen... and Be in the now moment. When I focus my attention on what my parent and I CAN do, I find that we CAN DO more. There are lots of ways that we can still interact together, sharing joy and companionship.
I expand the way I look at situations in order to see through the eyes of understanding. New visions of how to appreciate each moment flow into me with great clarity. I perceive the beauty expressed in each precious moment as I move through this mystery of life.
I turn my focus away from any appearance of lack and practice focusing my attention on the good which is in my life, right here, right now. An easy way to start is to embrace the magnificence of the world of nature that surrounds me. When I watch the opulence of the sunrise - as its luminous colors unfold before me - I will remember... When I watch the day’s sunset - as vibrant hues splash in dazzling contrast to a darkening sky - I will remember... Each sunrise and sunset I will remember to acknowledge that beauty surrounds me, as I center and anchor myself in the exquisite moment.
As I allow myself to become fully present in the moment, I set my intention to let go of directing my thoughts and instead choose to be guided by my inner wisdom, my intuition. When I make this conscious decision, I am filled with peace. I may no longer have the past or the future to share with my loved one, but we can both experience joy in our moments of connection. When we feed the ducks at the park we are totally absorbed in the charming interaction. Although mom may not remember it tomorrow, she is thoroughly enjoying the experience while it happens. For although there are periods for her when time seems to stand still, at other times her eyes can shine with delight as she revels in the joy of the moment. Focus your attention on creating these moments of joy to share. Join her there in the moment and life will be more rewarding for both of you.
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