Living in the moment and staying present

So still trying to squeeze in some time for blogging here... Really thought there would be more hours in a day when you are a 'stay-home mum'. Yet, there are always diapers to change, games to play or food to be supplied, naps to take (preferably in the pram or while being carried around). But I have to say we have reached a couple of milestones over the last few days: first of all the little boy managed to fall asleep during yoga class. Here's to me hoping that he got used to these classes and started enjoying them so much that he allows himself to relax into deep slumber. Secondly I didn't only fit into my dirndl (granted, I need to hold my breath for the entire time wearing it) but am also slowly starting to get back into wearing pre-pregnancy clothes, most notably pants!

At the same time we are in awe of how the little boy is developing every day and really admire his dedication to enjoy every minute of his life. I have been thinking about something my yoga teacher mentioned when a baby was making funny shrieking baby noises: they are very much present and make the best out of every second. Unfortunately that's something we lose the older we get - there is always something that holds us in the past or we get lost planning things for the future. When our baby boy gets up in the morning he starts greeting the day with a level of enthusiasm that can only make you smile and laugh with him :-) At the same time, when there is something bugging him (and often times parents have no idea what exactly it is), you notice right away and more often than not hear the sentiment as well. Right that moment and astonishingly enough they can go from the worst scream right into a loud laugh and the other way around.

Now, how do we rekindle these hidden skills? I think for starters watching little babies and learning from them is something we cannot do enough of. I am determined to make the most of my time with the little sunshine and even though it's hard for me, not to get lost making too many plans but it's very hard to actually stay in the present and really be there. What helps is focusing on what really matters: sustaining your body - drinking and eating, sleeping, digesting and exercise/movement so back to the basics.Speaking of which - taking the little man out for a walk to get some exercise and (potentially) sleep now...

Had to interrupt blogging here for a day or two but have been thinking some more about the skill to be fully present in the moment - especially with phones, computer, tablets and other gadgets (recently learned all about the apple watch for instance). It's so hard not to get distracted these days but we often miss a lot of the moment if we are trying to capture it either on camera or share with others via Facebook or other media. I'm not saying I'm not guilty of that same effect but it's good to take a step back and recognise that we don't always need to take our phones everywhere and unplug once in a while. Before giving birth I actually established 'cellphone free Sundays' and have to say, enjoyed them a lot, yet somehow I've lost that habit over the past few weeks. I will try to get back into it and also started taking walks with the little one without taking my phone lately. It leads me to speak to him more and see other things rather than just staring at the screen at every red light. It is interesting that mindfulness, yoga and all these ancient traditions are getting so much more popular at a time where everyone is experiencing quite the opposite in their every day lives.