Why is that?! WHY are the YEARS zooming by at superduper supersonic speed? Is it because we are constantly in the “Doing-Mode” and always on the move with our children? It’s school; it’s homework; it’s football practice; it’s the playdates; it’s the volunteering at the Fall Festival; it’s Saturday soccer games; it’s everything! We need more BEING-mode and less DOING-mode, don’t we?!

So, as my young five year old son is sleeping so soundly next to me and I listen to his shallow breaths and watch his little chest rise and fall with each breath, I am vowing this year to be the Year of Being. I am enjoying be-ing in this moment. I’m all warm and cozy in the covers as I’m typing my first blog of the year. My son is in dreamland and I am happy. I AM happy… what else in this very moment do I need or want?

Let me share what I wish for all parents to begin to understand. One of my favorite books that I am re-reading for 2010 is called: Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn. It’s an incredible book on mindfulness meditation. It’s a really easy read to remind you of what is truly important…

In it, he shares how to just BE. “The best way to capture moments is to pay attention,” Jon states as the beginning of one of the chapters in his book. He states the obvious so simply that you have to just go, “Huh! That’s right!”

Pay attention. Stop doing and just be. Be aware of what is going on right now… in the moment. What are you doing? What are you feeling? What are the sounds that are around you? What do you see?
Do this while you are driving to work tomorrow; while you are in line at the coffeehouse; while you are eating lunch.

Most importantly, as Mom and as Dad- notice your children as they  greet you when you come home from work- how they walk or run to you; how their little arms feel as they give you a heartfelt hug; how her lips feel on your warm cheek; or watch your children as they eat dinner- how  your five year old chews his food; how loudly your ten year old burps; or how your daughter holds her fork.

Notice the little details. Notice. Watch. “The Best way to capture moments is to pay attention.”

This way, you can live 2010 slowly, with attention, with mindfulness.

2010- 361 more days of BEING… ahhhh…..