Day 17/90 Days of Pleasure

Presence is today’s pleasure practice. I started my day on the water and like most days when I do this, I paddled across the water and tucked into my favorite shady spot under a tree. I usually do my morning yoga practice and listen to my body, what pleasure does it want to discover today?

Today my body desires the gift of presence, to be still and notice. I laid on my board and looked up at the leaves in the trees above me, noticing how the morning light made its way through the thick layers making them glow. I listened to the wind and the birds, the soft ripple of the water. I let the peace of presence wash over me, repeating my mantra “Do less, be more” letting any thoughts go of what I had to do today.

Summer in the Northeast is so fleeting. I’ve been finding myself caught in cycles of anxiety that I haven’t scheduled enough outings with friends. Gifting myself moments of presence like this separates the shoulds from desires. I am. That’s all that matters.