My Ghost of Christmas Present

Very few things fully capture my attention in the present.  When it happens, it’s magical. 

Not very long ago, I attended the symphony with my mother.  And, as I watched her listen, I could see so obviously how intensely in-the-moment she was living.  I was certain extraneous, worrisome thoughts weren’t clouding her mind.  And, after, I told her that I found going to events with her rewarding (not just ‘cause I’m with my momma) because I could almost vicariously feel the present more deeply through her.  Almost. 

But, I don’t stick in the present.  Maybe I’ll stick there for a moment but never much longer.  When I’m out in the world, I’m almost always thinking about when I can return home.  I find myself wishing really great experiences would hurry-up and end because I just want to be home where I’ll worry less. 

More recently, we were at the symphony (again!) for our annual trip to its Christmas Festival, and I worried.  I worried about the message I got during the symphony related to a work matter.  I worried about the dogs.  I worried about our home.  I worried about the fact that I made an usher person tell the older couple sitting in our seats to move over to their actual seats.
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So, the way I know which is my favorite musical piece, is by experiencing it without worry.  This year, there was a guest baritone singer, and he sang, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”  And, it consumed me.  I sat forward in my seat.  I swayed from side-to-side (wondering how everyone else could sit still in their seats).  I tapped my feet.  I probably hummed along.  I clapped rapidly and loudly, and I think I even cheered.  But, what I know for sure is that, for a few minutes, I lived in the present.  And, it was magical.

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