Being Present

I recently noticed a book on our bookshelf that was gathering dust called How to Train a Wild Elephant & Other Adventures in Mindfulness.  I started reading through the introduction chapter which describes that most people are not really present in their everyday lives.  They are constantly thinking about the future, past, or in a fantasy and not experiencing what is actually happening around them. People are so worried about whats happening next, or what if, and it's a total waste of our time and energy. 

Photo via Goodreads.com

"Unfortunately the mind, in its anxiety for us, tries to make plans for a huge number of possible futures, most of which will never arrive.  This constant leapfrogging into the future is a waste of our mental and emotional energy.  The most important way we can prepare for the unknown-to-come is to make a reasonable plan and then to pay attention to what is happening right now.  Then we can greet what flows toward us with a clear, flexible mind and open heart, ready and able to modify our plan according to the reality of the moment"

"Mindfulness practice reminds us not to fritter our mental energy away in trips to past and future, but to keep returning to this very place, to rest in what is happening in this very time"

Although I don't think I am a negative person, I did benefit from making an effort into being more present this week.  For example, this week I had a lot of meetings and work to catch up on.  Usually this would stress me out, but by reminding myself to be in the moment and not to think of what could possibly happen at the meetings, if they would go well or not, helped me not to stress out about them.  I just prepared for them as well as I could and didn't worry about it. 

The book goes into specific tasks one can practice in order to be more mindful.  I don't plan on trying all of them (there are over 50 different tasks) but I love the concept of being fully present to enjoy and experience everything life has to offer.

St.Lucia Here We Come!

Brian and I are officially going to St. Lucia in August!  I am SO excited!  We bought the flights a couple months ago, but still hadn’t decided on a hotel because there were so many great options to choose from. 

Cocoa Pods   Source: Tripadvisor

As we were getting ready to book a hotel, I got an e-mail from Groupon for a deal at Fond Doux Holiday Plantation in Soufriere, St.Lucia.  We looked into it and it really did seem like a great deal.  Typically, I am wary of vacation “deals” because I feel like they can be misleading at times.  However, we did our homework and researched the reviews online and it seemed like this place was the real deal.  It even includes all food and drink (although it’s not typically an all inclusive resort).  Fond Doux is a working cacao plantation.  Each cabin is “nestled within Fruit and Palm Trees, with private balconies to relax and enjoy your corner of paradise”.  There are no TVs or anything.  Just relaxation!

One of the pools  Source:Tripadvisor

One reviewer said, “We swayed in our rocking chairs on the front porch and read books and slept and laughed and picked fresh fruit from our yard. We walked through the gardens and saw flowers and trees that made our heart sing. It was amazing. And I can't wait to return. “

That sounds like paradise.  We will be staying in the cinnamon cottage.

Interior of cottage    Source: Tripadvisor

Source: Tripadvisor

They provide a free shuttle to Jalousie beach which is so gorgeous.  It is right next to the pitons.  A little fun fact:  The finale for the bachelor with Jake and Vienna was taped on Jalousie beach in St. Lucia. 

Beautiful Jalousie Beach     Source: forums.beyondunreal.com

Source: au.ibtimes.com

I can’t wait to spend a super relaxing week here!  We will be celebrating both of our birthdays (I’ll be turning 26 on the 26^th!).  Since 26 is my lucky number I’m betting this will be a good birthday!

Gorgeous View    Source: Tripadvisor

Have any of you ever been to St.Lucia?  Any tips would be greatly appreciated!