the grass is green where you water it

you are where you need to be

One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.

French author André Gide

Life will improve once I lose weight / move into a new apartment / find a partner / get a new job. We’ve all been there – on both sides of the fence – either eagerly waiting for something better or anxiously anticipating something worse.

I can tell you from my experience of moving all over the place last year that the grass is in fact green where you water it – not on the other side. What I continue to learn from my meditation practice is that the present moment is the most important moment – it is all well and good to have goals and desires, so long as we remember not to depend on the outcome for our happiness.

Something I’m trying to do a bit more of here in Paris is to find beauty in the simple moments; to appreciate myself exactly where I am. And sometimes – as described so beautifully in the quote above – being receptive to unforeseen adventures will help us to more clearly recognize and be grateful for the newness and sweetness in each day.

When we can water the grass we’re standing on and cultivate a full life in the present moment, we can learn how to quit depending on or waiting for something better. We can learn to be what we seek instead of constantly seeking something better. We can learn to feel better exactly where we are.

Be gentle with yourself. Mess up. Work diligently and have fun. Pray and play. Move and be still. Eat vegetables and cookies. You’re exactly where you need to be.

What can you do to remind yourself of the goodness that exists right where you’re at, in this body and in this moment?

Read the newsletter for Sarah’s delicious ceremonial cacao recipe, upcoming wellness happenings in Paris and worldwide, Costa Rica retreat details for February 2020 [leap year!], nourishing discounts from likeminded companies, good tunes and good vibes.

Photo: Bali, October 2018.