The discussion of mindfulness and one’s ability to live in the present has taken center stage for some time. We routinely hear the importance of “Now.”
Intellectually we know that we cannot relive or undo the past, and certainly we cannot predict the future. Mark Twain’s quote, “It is difficult to make predictions, particularly about the future,” is one of his many humorous quips. Yogi Berra also had his own version of this quote. 
So, if we cannot live in the past and cannot predict the future, what do we do? There is only one thing we can do—live in the present! How? Practice mindfulness and capture your thoughts in writing. While mindfulness has many definitions, most center on observing, feeling, and sensing the world around you without drawing judgement. The aim is a peaceful condition where you are not ruminating or anxious, just simply present.
I recently did a key word search on mindfulness and poetry. To my surprise there are over 40 million results! When I wrote my first book, Observing Life One Poem at a Time, I never realized the connection between poetic expression and mindfulness. We can express our joy and observations in the written word. It doesn’t matter if it’s a poem or our journal entries, we can let the written word capture our thoughts and experiences as they unfold; observe without judgement, angst, or turmoil. Enjoy the moment. Write about it.
This is the Christmas season. There is no better time to slow down, sit quietly, observe what is taking place and to simply live the Christmas spirit. May this be a special Holiday season for you and may the New Year be one of mindfulness and writing!
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