How does believing that every moment matters impact how I relate to this moment?

As in this moment I am with people, I often begin this moment with a silent intention: Listen carefully. More thoughtful before I speak. Kinder and more loving.

In the moments I am in the garden, I am often wordless, just absorbing the sensations of soil: the look, feel and smell of it… or observing each weed, insect, seedling. My beans are coming up elbow first. I just absorb the moment. Sometimes I do drift and think but it is useful time to think on many things practical and philosophical while my hands and body are in the rhythm of the work.

When I work at home (like this week I am painting the kitchen still) I am also often absorbed in it just trying to do a good job, and I take little breaks to watch Mr. Hopeful or drink a glass of water. i might look at my hands with paint all over them.

I don’t think I am consciously aware that the moment matters or “reflecting on this impact how I relate to this moment,” for if I did, the moment would be gone and I would not be here experiencing it but would be watching me here (if that makes any sense). But in reflecting on this experience, I would say I am much more often present in the moment than I used to be. Time rarely “flies.” Why?

I think it is just practice. Practice in observing. Practicing listening. Practice in gratitude.

I personally do not experience heady spiritualism in this. Rather it is much more like Shunryu Suzuki says in Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind…”Just sit.” That will be stuck in my head forever, lol, or to paraphrase, “keep it simple.”

Just be.

Just be in the moment.

This moment for me is, “question.”