I've Arrived, Finally
How to feel that you have arrived, and there is nowhere to go. Just be.
The beach is crowded, but I finally find a spot to sit. My feet ache from all the walking. People around me are chatting, running, laughing, taking pictures, playing volleyball. There is music coming from different corners. Barceloneta is a busy place.
I close my eyes.
Deep breath in and a slow breath out. Breathe in, breathe out. My heartbeat slows down.
I start noticing how the sun's rays warm my face and chest. A light ocean breeze plays with my hair, stroking me like a close friend. I become aware of the fresh salty smell of the air.
Breathe in, breathe out.
I can hear the birds chirping and the calming sound of the waves. All other sounds subside.
Breathe in, breathe out.
I smile.
Finally, I've arrived.
My eyes water and my heart warms up with joy.
There is nowhere to go, nothing to do. I can just be.
I arrived in Barcelona two months ago. Even though I was looking forward to the move, it wasn't free of anxiety, worries, and doubt. Upon arrival, I felt overwhelmed with all that didn't go according to plan and many little inconveniences that irritated me. Lack of sleep and a constant rush to arrange everything left me exhausted.
I wasn't able to enjoy that, finally, I was in a place I had dreamt about for a long time. A place that would, I thought, make me content at last. A place full of warm and smiling people, sunny weather, with beach and sea at my fingertips, and a plethora of activities to do in the city and around.
I knew I was blessed, but I couldn't feel it. My mind was constantly rushing and focusing on all that was bothering me, unable to truly appreciate what I had.
I had sat at the beach many times before. Yet I wasn't really there.
So what has changed?
I started to practice mindfulness again.
Meditation has been my companion for many years. But months of deliberate practice shift to weeks of occasional sittings, and then to periods when I lose the practice altogether.
Again and again, life reminds me how essential it is to be able to stay in the present moment. For our mental well-being, self-awareness, personal development, resilience, and ultimately, to be capable of enjoying life to its fullest.
My life is far from perfect. There are still things I want to improve, change, and achieve. Many things still don't go according to plan.
But I'm not rushing anymore.
I breathe in, breathe out, and enjoy the journey.
A dear friend once asked me to imagine that we just arrived.
There is nowhere else to go, nothing else to do. Just be.
Breathe in, breathe out.
Imagine you are there.
You have arrived.
How does it feel?
If you would like to learn more about mindfulness, how it can benefit you and start your practice, I highly recommend this free Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program.
Wishing you a mindful, blessed journey wherever you are.
___
Adela <3
Pictures:
1.-2. Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona, personal album