You Can't Step in the Same River Twice

There is an old Zen saying that you can never step into the same river twice. This wisdom exemplifies the flowing nature of reality. This morning when you woke up you probably looked at the same walls in your house, same kitchen, same people who live in your house. It is all the same at first glance—but is it?

Today is a new day—this moment is a new moment and one you have never lived. You are a day older and the world is constantly evolving and changing. Life is like a river and every moment is different. For you to recognize this, you have to shift your perspective from overly thinking to feeling. You have to pay attention with the utmost alertness and relax around this attentiveness. Placing your attention first thing in the morning on those you live with, a pet, or nature can be an awakening experience. Really look without thinking—see clearly and feel the presence of whatever you are looking at. Take a walk outside first thing in the morning and notice nature. Feel the presence of the trees or an animal feeding. Some of these practices can make a difference in your mood and set the tempo for your day.

The mind can become like a broken record – thinking the same thing over and over again. Developing a concentration practice like mediation, yoga, or applying the art of paying attention while walking, running, gardening, etc can help stabilize your mind allow you to drop into deeper states of awareness. Being fully awake to this moment brings a freshness, sharpness, and aliveness to your life. Many of my mornings begin with my daughter Leia. She wakes up and I pull her into bed with me. As we lay together I look at her face and she gives me kisses. We tickle each other. Her presence is so pure and she always reminds me to pay attention. This time is so precious and every morning is truly new when I see her with fresh eyes. Other mornings I begin with a 6am yoga practice. I use my body and sensation as the focal point of my attention. Other mornings begin with a run. It doesn’t matter what you are doing as much as where you mind is when you are doing it.

Start to notice where your attention lies. I have learned a lot about myself by paying attention first thing in the morning. Developing some early morning practices to notice that this day is new and everything around you is new. This can become a life altering practice. It can lead to a life of “Being Empowered”.