Reflections: Where Are My Feet?
“The present is what is happening when you strip away all the resentments of your past and all the worries you have about your future.” John Kuypers
Reflections: Where Are My Feet? Be Present…
To help you be more present in your life today, stop
what you are doing once an hour and ask yourself,
“Where are my feet?” Robert Holden
Few things force us to be more present than an illness… whether grave or simple, illness forces us to stop and pay attention. Even a common cold zaps our energy and forces us to stop everything and care for our body… After all, the body is the sacred vehicle that carries us forward in this world. Be Present.
“There is one thing we can do, and the happiest people are those who can do it to the limit of their ability. We can be completely present. We can be all here. We can give all our attention to the opportunity before us.” Mark Van Doren
Reflections: Where Are My Feet? Be Present…
You shouldn’t chase after the past or place expectations on the future. What is past is left behind. The future is as yet unreached. Whatever quality is present you clearly see right there, right there. Gautama Buddha, Bhaddekaratta Sutta
When we feel 100% well, we take the basics for granted and look expectantly to the future. However, the present matters more when our aches and pains and feverish brow demand attention now… Be Present.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own.” Matthew 6:24, The Bible
Reflections: Where Are My Feet?
“When I despair, I remember that all through history, the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end they always fall. Think of it. Always.” Mahatma Gandhi
As I find my footing again, I will be present to reciprocate. Thank you for the love, grace and patience you have shared with me this past week. Thank you all! I am taking Robert’s advice and so, instead of agonizing over stats and posts, I’m stopping to ask: Where are my feet? I see them, I touch them, and I gratefully remember that with life all things remain possible. Be Present. More below!
“You really don’t even own the present moment, for even this belongs to God… Above all, live in the present moment and God will give you all the grace you need.” Fenelon
Reflections: Where Are My Feet?
“But man postpones or remembers; he does not live in the present, but with reverted eye laments the past, or, heedless of the riches that surround him, stands on tiptoe to foresee the future. He cannot be happy and strong until he too lives with nature in the present, above time.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
When we stop breathing, our worries will no longer hold us hostage. Enjoy the present… Dance with those feet. What are your thoughts? How would you describe your present state? What pulls you away from being present? Where are your feet? What lessons have you learned from being present? Do share! Thank you. 😉
*Please bear with me as I catch up on your blogs and commenting… I’m still recovering from a bronchial cold and will be back on track with reading and responding to your blogs soon. Thank you all for your patience! 🙂
Positive Motivation Tip: Be present at all times and celebrate each moment we have breath…
HOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos: Feet from Dream is Destiny, Feet too by Thingo, Single Penguin by Strange Ones, Strolling Penguins from Wikipedia, from my personal collection
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
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What a wonderful, warm affirmation of life. I shall take that John Kuypers quote with me today and through the coming months. Thank you.
I really love this but still find it difficult to get to that moment.
Trying to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground in the present! Wonderful post, Eliz.
I have found that the present day is what we have as you say…I don’t want to waste my time or energies on the past…I can’t change it…The future is unknown…and I do mean on a second by second bases…So what is left???The present…So I live it based on the means I have…the love of those around me…and trying to be there for those in need…I find me being happier…more content…and OK with this … Beside me is my Lord…my Savior…and finally I feel what He has given me is so much clearer…and “that’s a good thing!”…~mkg
Stole one of your quotes and pinned it. Looking at my feet. Thank you. http://pinterest.com/pin/147141112796245048/
I’m not intending to be overly dramatic with this statement, but it’s just true for me…sometimes when I get really overwhelmed by so much to do, so little time, the frustratons that plague, I think of friends of mine facing horribly costly health issues and how life is suddenly “right here, right now.” Nothing else matters but getting well…and it takes everything to do that. They found their feet!! And it makes me slow down and want to be mindful of just taking care of myself for a bit. Nothing else should matter during those times. You are such a beacon of encouragement, Elizabeth…taking some time to care for youself only creates a brighter light. It doesn’t diminish it! Hugs! Debra
Being present is not as simple as it seems, to me. Looking at your feet – I just did it, and I think it helps! Thanks as always for the wise words…
May my own “penguin” feet be pointed ever forward and planted harmoniously alongside my brothers and sisters in this world!
>Dance with those feet.
*yes, one should dance and love their feet!
>How would you describe your present state?
*my present state is good, thank you and perhaps an empty stomach may pull me from being present as i agonize in front of the empty fridge…
>Where are your feet? < haha, right here
<What lessons have you learned from being present?<
*smiling helps a lot of bad attitudes disappear
May you be restored and back on track soon! 🙂
thanks!
Elizabeth, hope you feel better soon! As many have said, it’s so important to take care of your health, and blogs and everything else can wait! Sending you positive thoughts and healing energy! 🙂
I always send you love, Elizabeth. I was troubled by the words in this post all day – I “liked” it because of its message but worry about you. Gain your footing and I will say a prayer for you. xo
Such a great statement here Eliz. At first I thought the post would be about being unable to see your feet because of lack of flexibility. I guess in a sense, it does. Thanks for sharing. M
I needed this today.
Love the Gandhi quote.
Aw, please, please, take care of yourself. I’m worried about you as I read more into this post. Many hugs and warm wishes your way. Get well soon, Elizabeth
Begin present is to appreciate each experience and then to be grateful.
Lovely positive post. We really do need to realise that the present moment is a precious gift, and not to be wasted by worrying about the past or the future.
I find your blog truly inspirational….see this below…
http://thirdeyemom.com/2012/07/18/passing-the-honor/
Good luck!
Excellent work my friend ,Thanks for sharing 🙂
So Inspirational. we often look at our pasts for so long that we forget that the present is the one we should be focusing on!
We would love to repost parts of this and the top photo at toemail if you do not mind? Just need a location and we are good to go! http://toemail.wordpress.com
No worries… Go ahead and thanks for asking! 🙂
Eliz
Feet are, by their nature, grounding. Love the pic and the thoughts!
Hey, as they say. Today is the tomorrow I worried about yesterday. Don’t beat yourself up and hope you get better soon!
“What makes life is here and now”
The words at your feet are so true!
May not be a spot on translation but nice to know I read it without thinking about it. I just discovered I can read without translating! Just understanding 🙂 Hey, that’s a first for me. I’ve ben feeling down about the language for so long.
Lovely post! Happy feet 🙂
Elizabeth,
I live right now not tomorrow not yesterday right now. Great post.
What a brilliant quote by John Kuypers! And the one by Mahatma Gandhi! Thanks for putting together another beautiful post Elizabeth.
Sickness does make us realize what is important in our life. Of where we are now and where we are heading. I’m glad you made us realize to just stop and look at where our feet is. We all need to be reminded that we our unique purpose in life. That life does not wait. What you can do today, we have to do them as soon as possible. We don’t want to wake up one day realizing we missed so much. Great post my friend. Thanks.
Strength to you, Elizabeth
TY Bluebee! Getting better one day at a time. 🙂
Great post. So much I can relate to here. Being present is very important for our well being, but easier said than done. It takes practice. I started creativity, photography, and my blogs as a way to help me heal through my long struggles. I’ve improved, but have a ways to go yet. Wishing you a quick recovery from your bronchial cold.
Perfect, I love the idea of our feet bringing us back to mindfulness.
It’s posted now. Thanks so much for participating in toemail – we really appreciate it!
Wild crazy cool! I love the imagery of the feet, the quotes, your powerful future forward commentary weaving this all together! Hey, what a great reminder to let go of life’s foot callousing moments!
TY Grace and I love your observations too. Will stop by your blog soon. 🙂
Thanks so much for reminding me that we should live for today and not worry about what happened yesterday or what may happen tomorrow! Terrific Advice! I can see my feet! Thanks so much for sharing your advice with us all! Thanks again, Michele 🙂
Sickness definitely makes us more aware of the direction we are going in. It also teaches us to appreciate the fleeting glimpse of the short life that we have x
How did you end up here? Thank you Ana… so true.
I want my feet to be a new place every day, to step on new pavements. Because if they do, I am happy. I remember being sick last winter, so sick that I couldn’t move. And it felt awful.