How to Stay in the Moment


staying in the moment during the holidays“Life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quickly you hardly catch it going.”

– Tennessee Williams

I make my living capturing the fleeting moments of my clients’ lives. In fact, that is one of the reasons I love what I do so much. I know that each family will be able to look back for generations at the memories of the time and place of each photograph. But even I will admit, there is no substitute for living as fully as possible in the moment.

During the holidays our time is pressed more than ever, with ‘to do’ lists, events, gifts to buy, etc. More than ever, though, I want to remember the good moments with loved ones.

The holidays can be an especially sentimental time–a time when so many of us take a collective breath and try harder than ever to see those whom we love, or at least send them a little something to show we care. While the meaning of Christmas or other holidays may get lost in ever-growing commercialism, there is still time–if we make it–to stay in the moment.

A few things I like to do to soak in the precious moments of life (during the holidays, or otherwise):

Schedule time for a low-key, holiday past-time/tradition. Maybe it’s  sipping some holiday tea by the fireplace before the kids are up, or perhaps you could go for a family stroll one night and take in the holiday lights; maybe just decorating cookies with the kiddos. Doing activities that have more to do with just “being” there in the present can create that much needed space from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Gratitude List. I try to write my list every morning, putting myself into a positive  state of mind. It’s amazing how much you’ll notice the wonderful things all around, by just getting your brain into the habit of looking for them.

Getting up a little earlier. If you know me, you know I’m an early bird. I know not everyone is, but there’s something special and grounding about getting up before everyone else. Creating space in the morning to do a silent or guided meditation, stretch, etc. is scientifically proven to help you stay in a more mindful place all day.

Regardless of how you find peace during the holiday season, I hope you have a beautiful time and get some quality moments to enjoy with those you love the most.