Last weekend was spent with the family. It’s been a long time since we were all together — in one place. Long anticipated, finally a blissful opportunity of revisiting favorite spots and living in the moment, without any concern for the past or the future. It’s up to us to bask in the glory of it, to savor every second while practicing mindfulness — concentrating on each other.

Over the course of two days, we set out to visit some of the places where we used to go when the kids were babies. One of them is Lake Shrine. Our younger daughter Nastasya took her first step there.

According to her as a 22-year-old, Lake Shrine is “a special place where you don’t need to think about your future or your past, but you can fully enjoy the beauty of the surroundings because everyone else is meditating and just looking blissful so you can focus on being there, fully.”

I guess, mindfulness, aka living in the moment, has to do with focusing on one thing at a time

Taking your first step would be a good example of mindfulness / living in the moment

As we are walking around the spring-fed lake, Mia, who is 24, spots “miraga.” It’s a made-up name for a delicate moss she invested with magical powers and made her younger sister believe in all those years ago.

And here’s a pair of swans we can count on to always be present, parading their grace and devotion to each other. We are strolling along, absorbed in the beauty of the lush grounds abundant with colorful and fragrant plants. We’re laughing, reminiscing. We’re partaking in the ritual of intently living in the moment.

Judging by the number of cars in the parking lot, the place is packed, but the visitors seem almost invisible, each one in their own world. Yet, we are all connected somehow — we share certain exuberance. It’s easy to practice mindfulness in this special place. It’s only natural to engage fully.

We are steeped in the feeling of completeness. Gazing at, noticing, and serenely relishing what is in front of us. Not worrying about the past or the future. Not letting our minds wonder off. Placing awareness on what’s happening right now.

Next on our itinerary is the adventure of the Getty Villa. The Herb Garden is very familiar, yet we are taking it in anew. We are here. Focusing on whatever we’re looking at, caressing it with both mind and soul, practicing mindfulness of living in the moment. And the best part is that it brings us even closer together. Isn’t that what true happiness all about? Do you agree? It would be great to learn how you delight in life and everything that comes with it a moment at a time. Please share your thoughts here or comment below.