Opportunity to be Present

"Present moment is the only place where ego is not looking." Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle reminds us that the present moment is all there really is, and that we have no problems -- because problems are mind-creations in the future.  We only have challenges, and they arise moment by moment -- to be handled moment by moment.  In the geographic area in which I live we are getting that opportunity this week.  We are having a yearly event that brings into our small region of the state visitors equivalent to the population of the whole state.  Driving among these visitors creates a real opportunity to be present in the moment; as it takes vigilance to be aware of the visitors and to help create safety for them and us.  Because of the human propensity to dwell on the past or to worry about the future, these opportunities that help us be present are gifts.  Another gift helping me be present is my granddaughter.  She is always present.  It is just fascinating to watch, and I can't help but wonder, when do we humans begin to cut ourselves off from the present?  Perhaps it does not matter when we become out of the present; more importantly, the task is to bring ourselves back.  One way to do that is to see the beauty in the world around us.  Really see it.  What is beautiful in your world?  Right now the wild flowers are just exquisite in the world in which I live.