The Precious Quality of Today

Today will hold magical moments.

Be on the lookout for miracles.

Invite in beautiful, quiet, sacred moments.

When you first step into the shower, notice the way the warm water feels on your skin.

At the end of your practice, sink into Shavasana. Let go.

When you pull someone in close for a hug, pause. Notice how every cell of your body feels.

Notice love.

Photo by Brynna Bryant of Respiro Photography.

The present moment is a gift, wrapped in the subtle textures of everyday life. To truly experience it, we must slow down enough to notice its gentle unfolding. Each breath, each sensation, each flicker of light is an invitation to live fully, to awaken.

How do we notice the beauty of the present moment?

We begin by softening. By creating space.

Start with your breath. Inhale deeply, feeling the air as it flows in and expands your lungs. Exhale and release, letting your shoulders soften, your jaw relax. Repeat this rhythm until your body feels lighter, your mind a little quieter.

Pay Attention to the Small Things

Notice the way sunlight filters through the window in the morning, casting delicate patterns on the wall. Notice the sound of birds singing outside, their melodies weaving into the fabric of your day. Notice the vibrant colors of your food as you prepare a meal, the way your hands move with care.

In these moments, beauty reveals itself. It’s not about chasing something extraordinary but finding wonder in what is already here.

Practice Presence Through Your Senses

The senses are a gateway to the present. Engage them fully:

  • Touch: Run your fingers over the soft texture of a blanket, the rough bark of a tree, the cool surface of a stone. Let your body take in these sensations without rushing to label them.

  • Sight: Instead of looking at your surroundings with a distracted gaze, pause. Take in the details—the shape of a leaf, the interplay of light and shadow, the subtle shades of color in the sky.

  • Sound: Listen closely to the sounds around you. The hum of the refrigerator, the rustle of leaves, the cadence of a loved one’s voice. Let the layers of sound wash over you.

  • Taste: Slow down as you eat. Notice the flavors, the textures, the way your body responds to nourishment.

  • Smell: Breathe in deeply the scent of rain, fresh coffee, or your favorite essential oil. Let it anchor you to the here and now.

Create Rituals for Noticing

Rituals don’t have to be elaborate; they can be simple practices that ground you in awareness. Light a candle in the morning as a reminder of the new day. Take five mindful breaths before you start your yoga practice. Pause before meals to express gratitude for the food in front of you. These small moments of intentionality weave mindfulness into the fabric of your day.

Let Go of the Need to "Do"

In a world that values constant productivity, it can feel counterintuitive to simply pause and be. Yet, this is where the magic happens. Give yourself permission to sit in stillness, even if it’s only for a minute. Let go of the to-do list, the mental chatter, the pull to accomplish. In that space of stillness, the present moment comes alive.

Notice the Feeling of Connection

Connection can be a profound way to anchor yourself in the now. When you’re with someone you love, look into their eyes. Listen deeply to their words. When you’re in nature, feel the earth beneath your feet, the breeze on your skin. When you’re with yourself, place a hand over your heart and feel the steady rhythm of your life force.

Embrace Imperfection

The present moment is rarely perfect, and that’s part of its beauty. There might be dishes in the sink, a cluttered desk, or a pile of laundry waiting. You might feel tired. But even amidst the chaos, there is grace. Find it in the way the light reflects off a glass, in the warmth of your tea cup, in the laughter shared during a messy meal.

Find Gratitude in the Ordinary

Gratitude is one of the quickest ways to ground yourself. Each day, name three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be grand—a good stretch after sitting too long, a kind word from a friend, or the way your favorite sweater feels. Gratitude transforms the mundane into the miraculous.

Use Yoga as a Practice for Presence

Yoga is a beautiful way to embody the present moment. Notice how your body feels as you move through poses. Feel the stretch, the strength, the release. In Shavasana, allow yourself to completely let go, surrendering to the support of the earth. This is the essence of being here now.

Notice Love

Love is woven into the present moment in countless ways. The kindness of a stranger, the laughter of a child, the way the stars appear on a clear night—all of it is love. And when you take a moment to notice it, you invite more of it into your life.

Today Will Hold Magical Moments

Be on the lookout for them. Miracles are everywhere, waiting to be noticed. By simply slowing down, paying attention, and inviting presence into your day, you’ll uncover the beauty that’s been there all along.