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be in the moment



Yesterday I went on a field trip to the Science Museum Butterfly Tent with my son's K-1 class.  It was a joy!  It was amazing!
The butterflies were crazy!  They were everywhere and on everything!  They were on our fingers, backs, hair, shoes.  They landed on benches and the ground.  Every move involved a double-check to be sure that we weren't squashing a delicate creature.  It was a big task for 5-7 year olds to be so careful.  The kids were patient, slow, curious, watchful, excited, and some were overwhelmed.
I understood.  It was unnerving to feel the small feet on my head; the flutter right by my face.  It was a surprise when someone pointed out that a butterfly was taking a ride on your back and you hadn't felt it there.
I wanted to document it all.  I wanted to capture the vibrance of the color, the flowers, and the joy of the children.  I watched my son with butterflies on each hand and one resting on his forehead and wanted to get a shot.  I wanted to shoot them with wings spread to really show their beauty as they sat on colorful flowers and on the kids, but as you know, living things don't always cooperate.  The pictures seemed mediocre or not quite doing the experience justice and after a bit I found my camera was full and not cooperating.  So... I spent some time deleting so that I could get a "good" shot, but then caught myself.  I realized that being there was really all the memory that I needed.  I started to enjoy the sights, the sounds, the feel.  It was a glorious time surrounded by the color, warmth, and the fun.
Today, I read Christine Carter's Happiness Tip and it reminded me that I want to be in the moment more.  Collecting photos is ok, especially when I really shoot for detail, but just taking to document isn't really where it's at.
 I am going to work to put my phone/camera down more and just soak it in.  It will take restraint, but I think it might double my joy and curiosity to be in the moment.  



Are you willing to resist the urge to grab your camera or phone today 
and instead just be in the moment?



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