MOM’S MEMORY

It was another regular weekend, grocery shopping for the coming week. I was in the pasta and sauce aisle when Johnny Mathis came on the piped in music singing Chances Are. That was my mom’s favorite song. I stood there in between pasta and sauces locked in memories. I took a long deep breath and just listened to the song play. A single tear welled and fell on my cheek. I was there, in the moment, with my mom. A warm summer day, she was cooking pasta for dinner and singing to Johnny. A cherished memory flooded back! I did not dismiss the initial feelings of sadness and loss. I chose to accept it because of the lovely memory attached.

I have these moments often. I believe that after developing mindfulness in my life I have become more aware of these moments. I don’t think they come any more often, it’s just that my awareness is heightened to when they arrive and I choose to accept the experiences.

Mindfulness had taught me this. Mindfulness has taught me to be present in the moment, each and every moment if I choose. I have found a richness and beauty to life that had been previously lacking in my life.