Savor the Moment
Author: Colleen Kilpatrick

It was my Mother who instilled in me my love of the natural world. Through her example, I learned to savor the wondrous gifts this grand earth has to offer. Mom’s approach to life has always been one of childlike wonder. She delights in the sound of crickets on a warm summer evening; the rich smell the earth exudes at the first drops of a summer rain and the feel of stones made smooth from the endless wash of waves. On more than one occasion she roused the five of us kids from a deep slumber to witness the power and magnificence of a dramatic lightning storm.

Last April, Mom suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the hospital for what turned out to be an extended period of time. The sterile environment of the hospital, with its white cinder block walls, fluorescent lights and endless array of medical equipment was far from the natural environment Mom cherished. In her sedated state she seemed peaceful, yet I imagined her irritated by the cacophony from the hallways and the continual bleeps, bells and alarms resounding from the various monitors in her room. To provide her with some relief from the din, I brought sounds of nature to her beside in the form of environmental music. Her room was instantly transformed into a place of natural tranquility.

We were told that Mom’s health was in peril. Her heart was weak. Surgery was a questionable and risky option. My sister and I took turns keeping vigil around the clock. Miraculously, we were told, Mom regained consciousness and was transferred to another hospital. Days turned into weeks as we waited for additional medical opinions.

Despite her precarious health and poor prognosis, Mom’s sense of wonder was as apparent as it had ever been. She noticed the minute and magnificent changes taking place outside her window as spring approached – the new leaves unfurling in the warm sunshine, the bright yellow daffodils bursting into bloom overnight and the soft patter of raindrops from an April shower. She kept her window open to catch the trilling of the birds and the fragrant breezes that curled into her room. She was living and savoring each and every moment, not because she was facing death, but in spite of it.

Entering her hospital room from the clamor and frenetic pace of the hallway was akin to entering a refuge of repose. Long sprays of golden Forsythia and vibrant blooms of Fuchsia, graced her room with color. A sweet breeze washed it with freshness while the gentle, earthy instrumental music played softly in the background. In the midst of this refuge was Mom, sitting on her bed in the half lotus position facing her predicament with characteristic faith and optimism inspired in part by her awareness of nature’s Divine order.

A year has passed since then. Mom’s surgery was successful and her recovery nearly complete. The paramedics who rescued her and the hospital staff who treated her call Mom their miracle patient. This morning, I received a phone call from her. Having come so close to losing Mom a year ago, just hearing her voice is a joy for me. At the end of the conversation, she asked if I had noticed the sunshine peeking through the clouds on this blustery March day. With the wisdom of a sage, she encouraged me to take a break from my writing to enjoy the beautiful day we had been given. How thankful I am that she is still on this earth encouraging me to savor its many gifts.

Coaching To Go

In our fast-paced lives, with our hectic schedules and numerous daily distractions, we often miss the gifts that nature provides. We take for granted that day follows night and spring follows winter and lose sight of the fact that every occurrence in the natural world is worthy of our attention. We forget that nothing short of a miracle can turn a tiny seed into a towering tree or remind the Robin that it’s time to fly north or create a exquisite geometric masterpiece known as a snowflake.

The earth will share its treasures with you if you are willing to receive them. All that is required of you is desire, awareness and appreciation. I invite you to acquaint yourself with this wondrous sphere called Earth and to cultivate an appreciation for all its magic. I encourage you to awaken your senses as the earth awakens from its winter slumber and experience the natural world with the wonder of a child.

Ideas to get you started.

Slow Down
Be conscious of the pace at which you move through life. So much is missed by rushing; so much is gained by slowing down. Use the following exercise as a gentle reminder to slow down when you feel yourself rushing. (Your name), Go slowly. Look around you. What do you see? (Your name), Slow down. Breathe deeply. Savor the details of this moment.

Tune Into Your Senses
Be still, look around you and notice the earthly delights that are waiting to be discovered. Tune into the messages each of your senses is sending you – the smell of freshly cut grass, the sensation of raindrops on your face, the feel of sand under your feet, the colors of a sunset. Listen to the audible as well as the silent gifts the world has for you, the visible as well as the invisible.

See The World From a Different Vantage Point
Lie on your back on the earth and look at the sky. Whether you study the clouds in the daytime or the stars at night, the vastness of the sky is always inspiring. If you can’t lie down, simply look up and observe all that is happening above you.

Alternatively, try lying on your tummy on the beach or in the forest and watching the earth close-up. Become aware of the endless activity that occurs on the ground every single moment. Take pleasure in some of Earth’s tiniest creations.

Listen to Environmental Music
If can’t get as close to nature as you would like and need a respite from the sounds of the city, you can transform your home or office into a natural refuge with an environmental music CD. My favorite is “Rainforest Magic” by Australian composer Tony O’Connor. In this enchanting CD, pan flutes, piano and orchestral sounds are combined masterfully with the natural sounds recorded in several of Australia’s most beautiful rainforests. Check out his website at www.tonyoconnor.com.au.

Look for Nature’s Gifts in Unlikely Places
The next time you stop at a traffic light or find yourself on a city sidewalk, take the opportunity to look around you and enjoy the gifts of nature available to you at that moment. Enjoy the cascading flowers in a city window box; a robin perched on a light post or a plant surviving against all odds in a tiny concrete fissure.

Create a Sacred Place
Find a special place outdoors where you can return for solitude and inspiration - be it a park bench, a grove of pines in a nearby forest or a corner in your own backyard. Cultivate a keen awareness of all that transpires in your sacred place. Sit quietly and practice the joy of being in the moment in your earthly sanctuary.

Practice Being Present
The next time you are outside try this exercise to train your mind to be in the present moment. Simply notice and identify what you see. “This leaf has jagged edges, this rock is smooth and warm, the sky is a brilliant shade of blue, the grass is lush and green.” This is a simple way to develop awareness and appreciation for nature.

Participate in an “Earth Watch” Adventure
This year, 4000 Earth Watch volunteers will provide valuable assistance on more than 700 research expeditions around the world. Check out the incredible opportunities available to you at www.earthwatch.org. Imagine studying biodiversity in the rainforests of Northern Australia or surveying elephant and giraffe populations in Africa. Earth Watch provides numerous ways to connect with the earth and expand your horizons.

Attend a School Like No Other
If you desire a closer attachment to the earth, along with the skills and philosophy that will help you live in harmony and balance with Creation, Tom Brown’s Tracker School may be for you. Courses offered are based on Tom’s extensive experience living in the wilderness and the teachings of his mentor, Indian Scout, Stalking Wolf. Go to www.trackerschool.com for more information. Consider also Outward Bound’s numerous outdoor programs. Learn more at www.outwardbound.org.








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Colleen Kilpatrick is a Personal and Business Coach committed to supporting individuals and organizations in attaining their objectives while staying true to their values and vision. A graduate of Michigan State and Coach Universities, Colleen utilizes cutting-edge coaching techniques to support her clients on their path to personal and professional fulfillment. With compassion, wisdom and humor, she inspires both individuals and groups to courageously embrace new possibilities and directions.

For a complimentary consultation please email her at colleen@colleenandcompany.com.

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