All we have is the present moment: thoughts inspired by an icebreaker

This morning's compulsory curriculum planning session began with an icebreaker: "Where do you see yourself in 20 years?"

I used to yearn toward the future, but these days I am much more interested in the present moment.

I am not reckless. I use a calendar and honor my commitments. I am adequately insured. I put money away in retirement accounts. I make extra payments on my mortgage on a regular basis. I do not let Hagrid's food run out. I take my vitamins every morning. Beyond following Suze Orman's financial advice and fulfilling my responsibilities, though, I prefer to devote my attention to being present.

The universe never ceases to amaze me in its perfect timing. Although over the years several people told me about the book called The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle, I did not read it until two years ago. And when I did, everything made sense. Oh, yes. This really is simple. All we have is the here and now. All the suffering we create for ourselves can be attributed to attachment to the past or worry about the future.

I'm pretty sure this book would not have interested me in the least all those years ago when I first heard about it.

Now, what matters to me is remembering to breathe. Waking up and dwelling for the first few moment of my wakefulness, before I rise from bed to begin my day, on things to be grateful for. Feeling Hagrid's warmth snuggled against my right shoulder as he occupies three quarters of the bed and I get the remaining quarter. The stillness of our morning walks at sunrise before I head off to work. The chime of an incoming text from a friend or family member whom I was just thinking about. A shared laugh.

So when it was my turn to answer the icebreaker question, I said, "In twenty years? Whatever it is that I want in twenty years is something I prefer to live by now."

I couldn't help but think of the Belgians who woke up and went about their day by riding the subway and going to the airport this morning. 

---

(Postscript: I just looked out and noticed the beautiful orangish glow of the almost full moon! Check it out!

Post-postscript: My icebreaker answer may not have been my only act of subversion during the meeting today....)