Stuart Hough, Sunnyside Trading Co.

In Asheville, North Carolina, February starts the final leg of winter. With long cold days and (what seems like) long cold nights, we’ve been cooped up since November, waiting for the first glimpses of Spring.

Winter can be a hard season, for many reasons. For one, as the outside world is resting up for Spring, our lives shift indoors. Perhaps we are forced to slow down for a little bit. I find this to be especially hard in our fast-paced world that calls us constantly to the next thing. Before long, we are back to absent-mindedly running from task to task and jumping ahead to our Spring Break plans and summer adventures.

I wonder, though, what we might lose by not simply savoring what is right in front of us in the present moment?

Maintaining an awareness of the present moment can seem like a daunting task. Our bodies and minds are constantly moving, both from place to place and from past to future. When we live in such a way, we can get trapped in a cycle of negative thought patterns like rumination, anxiety, and fear.

The Greek philosopher, Epicurus, said, “We are only born once – twice is not allowed – and it is necessary that we shall be no more, for all eternity; and yet you, who are not master of tomorrow, you keep on putting off your joy?”

Studies have shown that there is a link between being present and happiness. Focusing our mind on the here and now allows us to savor the full sensory experience of the present moment. And with this experience, comes peace, calm and tranquility. Joy, made manifest, now.

The wonderful thing that I have discovered about this practice is that you can do it anywhere. It can be done while taking on the ordinary, everyday (monotonous seeming) activities like getting dressed or washing the dishes as well as during the more stressful daily occurrences like being stuck in traffic or waiting in line. To that end, I’d like to invite you to join me in selecting one activity that you already do every day and make a point of being present during that activity for one week: notice what you hear, see, taste, smell and feel. Tune into how this makes you feel and how it might change your perspective on the activity itself. Then, let me know how it goes!

This newsletter is devoted to our temples and altars. Like, the practice of present moment awareness, these pieces can easily be incorporated into your existing space. Whether you choose to use one as a temple within your home or as a piece of decor, they serve as a visible reminder of joy, happiness, and peace.