Living In The Moment: The Art of searching less & finding more "special" moments.

Often on our journey we miss the beauty of the journey because we simply fail to see it. It becomes easier to stop paying attention as we start our day on our daily walk and interaction with the world but easier doesn't always mean better.

Our lack of awareness leads to many things, including missing all the wonderful moments we are searching for on our pursuit of happiness.

Many ancient practices for centering warriors and peaceful walkers alike focus on focusing in on the moment. Some call it "the zone", others "being locked in". No matter the name You give it know that its ability to multiply Your ability to produce results, peace and happiness are incredible and readily available to You. If, You choose, to create the habit of enjoying each moment. Seek less, find more.

Here's an exercise I've been utilizing over the past few months to help myself build up my habit of being in, and enjoying, a moment.

1. Sit somewhere.
 - I find a comfortable place to sit where I will be uninterrupted by internal or external forces that
need my attention.

2. Close my eyes.
  - Once I've found my spot I close my eyes to tune out the visual distractions around me.

3. Focus on listening.
  - Take in each sound You hear. How many are there? What are they from? Is there one that is particularly enjoyable to You? If so focus on it. Then switch your focus on the joy you feel. I let that good feeling grow about me.

4. Enjoy! 
  - Now, I focus on the joy I feel in that moment.

5. Attitude of Gratitude.
  - Once the moment has passed I give thanks for that moment. Sometimes this brings about another joy filled moment right away or sometimes I've got to sit a while and simply enjoy the moments in between.

6. Open my eyes.

Hope it helps you to remember how special the moments we are blessed with are.
Thank you for reading.
Until next time,
peace.
M.


Join me on Instagram: @marksparksinc
For more info: www.MarkSparks.com

Grandma's Relationship Guide M.A.P (Managing Arguments Productively)

"Because sometimes the hardest thing to do is the best thing to do..."

My Grandma taught me many powerful lessons. Funny enough, many of those surrounded building loving relationships with people and, ultimately, with my partner. One of the ones I am learning more and more about over the last few months is Managing Arguments Productively.

When You are wrong, say sorry and mean it.

When You are right, say nothing and mean it. 

We all have moments in our relationships where what we are saying is right and where what we are saying is wrong. If my track record is any indication, I am wrong or in the wrong far more often than I am in the right and I'm sure that an amazing someone would quickly agree. 

Regardless of whether we are right or wrong, our stance should never become more important than being loving to one another and being focused on one another's needs, desires and nurturing our relationship.

And when those rare moments that we are right happen, being right should never trump being loving, or seeking to joyfully and peacefully grow together. 

Sure what's right is right and what's wrong is wrong but I've learned, and am still learning, that if I am the latter, owning up to my mistake & apologizing sincerely is the best way to continue to grow and move forward together.

I've also learned, and am still learning, that when I am right, as rare as that may be, to simply let go of the need to win because winning a battle against my teammate, my partner, only results in a weaker team with wounded members.

Hope that Grandma's wisdom can help you as it has and continues to help me. Pray that your greatest battles are never against the one you love.

Thank you for reading.
Until next time,
peace.
M.


Join me on Instagram: @marksparksinc
For more info: www.MarkSparks.com