This Is A New Moment

There I was. 

A nursing student in one of my third semester hospital rotations... watching a birth take place in the labor and delivery department. 

I’m supposed to learn nursing stuff... you know... like how to administer medications and care for mom & baby etc. 

But that day hit me a little more than just “nursing stuff”. This momma had been in labor for a couple hours now after being induced. She chose to have this baby unmedicated (no epidural), and was coping very well with the pain. 

It came about time to push. Contractions became more frequent as the baby was about to enter into the world. 

Momma looked exhausted and ready to be done. When the delivery doctor arrived, he quickly gowned up and got ready to do what he probably does every day.... deliver another baby. He had a flawless routine. 

I remember wondering if he ever got tired of getting interrupted throughout his day when he would get called in to deliver a baby. 

Then... his phone rang. I thought, surely he will answer it. He’s obviously a very important and needed man. One of the nurses must’ve thought the same thing because she asked, would you like me to get that for you doc? To which his reply I will never forget. He said: “No. There is nothing more important than this moment, right now.”

And that’s when it began... the tears filling up in my eyes. Not only was witnessing a birth a beautiful moment.... but to know that a doctor could be so focused on this present moment... being there for this mom and this newborn child. 

Every Moment, Is A New Moment To Be Present

Just as this wise doctor chose to be fully absorbed in the breathtaking moment of a beautiful birth, despite having done it hundreds of times before, we can also find peace in our present moments (however busy, mundane or redundant they seem to be). 

Oftentimes we get so stuck inside our own heads that we don't see the entire world around us! If we take the time to be mindful of the present, we will discover that the world around us is bigger than we ever previously realized, and our problems become small in comparison.

I remember wondering if, like the doctor, God sometimes had a phone to answer somewhere in the distance. I had wondered if he had more important things to do than worry about my seemingly insignificant hard times. 

However, it is then that the spirit touched me and gently reminded me of God’s love and grace. I can now hear him say “there is nothing more important than this moment right now”. Our Heavenly Father will never abandon us for a phone call. Instead he offers us His undivided attention, especially during our dark hours. 

How To Be Present

Being present is quite simple. You can do this by practicing mindfulness.

The hardest part about practicing mindfulness is remembering to be mindful.

Try Something Small:

🦷 Brushing Your Teeth

Use your five senses to ground yourself to the present moment:

• Taste
• Smell
• Touch
• Sound
• Sight 

Focus intently

• What does the toothpaste taste like? 
• What's the texture like? Can you feel the bristles on your teeth?
• What side of your mouth do you brush your teeth on first?
• Can you smell anything? 
• What does it sound like?
• What color is your toothpaste?
• Did you notice how much toothpaste you use?

You may notice your thoughts wander. For example, you may find yourself pondering what you will do next or replay in your mind the events that happened during your day. 

In these moments it is crucial to bring your awareness back to the present moment. Being aware that your thoughts have wondered is part of the process! Simply be aware that it happened, and redirect your attention back to brushing your teeth. 

Practice this over and over again.

Soon you will find that mindfulness will become second nature. You will find yourself doing it on the way to work, before going to bed, when going on a walk, etc.

A Fresh Start

Every new moment is a fresh start. How refreshing is that? 

You can have a bad day and still find peace in the start of a new moment. 

When you feel discouraged, think of the wise doctor and absorb yourself in the birth of a new moment.