The morning sun warms my back as a nice sea breeze cools my face. The trail turns slightly uphill at first, and then straight uphill for a long ascent.
I hear the rhythm of my breath and my heartbeat pounding in my ears. My shoes crunch in the dirt with each step. The birds are chirping and I occasionally hear scurrying sounds next to the trail as I lumber past. I sometimes hear the music playing on my iPhone…it’s AC/DC, For Those About to Rock. Perfect for this climb.
No thoughts of the broken sprinkler that needs to be replaced in the front yard. Nothing rolling around in my head about the project I’m starting at work. No thoughts about the book I’m close to finishing, or my next blog post (notwithstanding this little dispatch).
What comes after the summit? Doesn’t matter. It will be revealed when I get there.
Being present is a gift we can give ourselves. Undivided attention, sharp focus, and a clear mind are within our reach anytime, if we choose.
Here’s something that’s easy to forget. Being present is even more valuable to those around us…family, friends, co-workers, the cashier. We can be present for them anytime, if we choose.
Encouragement is Personal 
Bob, this is great. As you climb higher, you apparently get deeper. Looking forward to to next post.