It's the Tiny Moments

So often it’s the little moments that pass by us unnoticed. The trivial, seemingly inconsequential ones.

Tiny moments where, if we are paying attention - if we are present in that moment - have things to teach us. I love those moments. They are diamond jewels in the day, gifts waiting to be unwrapped with gentle hands and grateful hearts.

Such as it was with the teapot today.

I usually arise before 6AM, enjoying the darker, quiet time before the cacophony of the day’s energies descend and sweep me away for chores and such.

I brew a cup of coffee and do a little reading, meditating, and perhaps a bit of musing with the stars if the sky is clear.

Soon the robins and cardinals welcome the sunrise, and once we’ve all greeted each other, I return to the kitchen to make a simple meal. The breaking of the fast.... breakfast.

And a cup of tea.

A kettle of cold water goes on the stove to boil and I head to the refrigerator for yogurt and fruit - the almonds and granola already in the bowl.

A low, and very distinct “whoosh!!” gushes from the burner where the tea kettle sits, blue flames dancing and swaying back and forth.

I stop, turn and look.

The flames seem to wink a knowing wink, biding me to listen to the lesson in the whoosh.....

Slow down. Be present. Make tea.

The extra 2.5 seconds I “saved” in my hurrying to the refrigerator offered nothing I didn’t already have.

No extra breaths.
No extra moments added to the day.
No extra heartbeats.
No extra joy or laughter or love.
No additional “time”.

Just a feeling of hustling through the morning’s routine.

I slowly walked back to the counter, carrying the yogurt and fruit. The flames stood erect, glowing in the early morning darkness. This time they smiled.

A few seconds later, and EEEeeeeee .... the water was boiling. Time to make the tea ... and to give thanks for yet another mindful lesson. Even the smallest of them are indeed gifts.

“Life is available only in the present moment.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh