I was recently introduced to the term Ichi-go Ichi-e. The knowledge that this moment will never happen again. Treasuring the unrepeatable nature of a moment. It sounds like such a basic concept, but I have been trying to practice and embrace it the past few weeks. Let me give you examples of what I am learning, as I sit here enjoying this moment with a warm sleeping cat curled on my lap.
At my last doctor’s appointment, she noted that everything (aka my baby ball of cancer and blood work) is stable, and I will move from appointments every 30 days to every 60 days. So, you say that is great news! Which it is…but my mind goes in a different direction. I have built up a comfort level in that monthly appointment, my reassurance that I am monitored so closely. Now I am being nudged out of the nest and it is uncomfortable. But, instead of holding my breath, I looked at the discomfort head-on, knowing I won’t be stuck here forever. And you know what? Every day I get a little more comfortable with the idea and am grateful for stability in my body. I can breathe and enjoy the moment (and one less drive to the hospital!)
If you’ve read my blogs you know that I take a walk every morning. My commitment to my well-being to get up and get moving. But when you do something on a regular basis your brain turns to auto-pilot. You know, how when driving sometimes you literally can’t remember how you got home. Well, auto-pilot started on my walk. Those individual steps and moments started to become a blur. Whoa, put the brakes on!
Time to practice Ichi-go Ichi-e. Being present for the unrepeatable moments in our lives. So now as I walk, I slow down a bit. I take note of the color changes of the trees, the breeze as it flows around me, the smell of the flowers, look up to admire the sun or the shapes of the clouds, enjoy the sounds of the neighbor’s wind chimes, or skip over the small puddle of water on the sidewalk. Trying to find something new each morning helps keep me in the moment. This morning I noticed a new bird's nest in a tree, the smell of fresh cut grass and was in awe as I watched the multi-colored leaves billowing, floating in the wind making their way to the ground.
I was surprised one morning to notice a pair of eyes set in the shrub in front of an elder couple’s home. As I looked closer, I saw the shrub was shaped like a duck. So now every time I pass the duck I smile or quack at it. I enjoy that small moment of silliness the duck brings out in me. Not sure that the couple thought such a small act could bring light to someone’s day. I bet I’m not the only one quacking at the duck on a regular basis!
Throughout the day I try to recognize when I am on auto-pilot. When I am, it is time to pay attention to the little details of the day, to be more present and mindful. Looking at the texture and richness in every day: taking in the sights, the sounds, the touch, and the smells. As Brother David Steindl Rast says – this is not just another day it is the one day given to you TODAY.
I leave you with a link to his “A Good Day” video – https://youtu.be/3Zl9puhwiyw
Enjoy!
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