Practicing.

Practicing the art of watching and listening can be hard. I've been trying to be more present in the space around me. A deep mind like mine sometimes starts creeping away with other thoughts, and when that happens I lasso it back. I figure out why it creeped away. Was it bored? Did it hate the place it was in? Was it uncomfortable?

Being present more has always been something I've wanted to work on. I have been slowly working on it over the past year. Putting my phone down more. Going outside. Writing letters and cards. Observing. Listening to stories. There are times I have failed. No doubt. And I will fail again I'm sure. But that's what practicing is about. Trying. Failing. Fixing. Trying to be better. Repeat.

There are times I look back on and wish I was more present for. I know now not to make that mistake again. Being more present is a practice that I want to waste all my time on. 

When laughing happens.

I want to be there.

When you kiss my forehead.

I want to be there.

During a whole movie.

I want to be there.

During silly conversations.

I want to be there.

During talks in the car.

I want to be there.

During special days and bad days.

I want to be there.

And I'm getting there. I'm getting there. Some days I just lay on the floor. I collect my thoughts like metal cans waiting to cash them in for a sweet reward. I'm not perfect but I'm better than I was yesterday. I'm getting there. And maybe you'll never see that. But someone will. Someone will love it. Someone will want my mind there. Right beside theirs, rubbing elbows with their future dreams, together.