[Special Thanks to Candace Nagle for contributing the following essay in place of regular weekend contributor Liz Wessel, who is on vacation.]


“The wise man is a happy child.” -Arnaud Desjardins

   Sometimes that which calls us into the grand miracle of the present moment may be a loud bang of beauty like a glorious sunset or the fragrance of a fully blooming rose. But my apprenticeship to the NOW began with the soft presence of my first grandchild (left). I have lived within her sphere of influence for twelve years and still there seems to be nothing else in this universe more important than stopping everything to be in her world where I can draw sustenance to rejuvenate my soul. Whether it be searching the sky for the first evening star, watching Mary Poppins for the 150,000th time, dressing up in fairy clothes to play follow the leader, or pinning on our tails to fully express our catness, I have been her willing student. In the process I have learned all sorts of hidden truths. For example, did you know that turtles love to eat four leaf clovers? Or that Pyramids are relics of ancient electric power plants? From Madeline I have learned to pay attention to the treasures of Now, which are so often buried by the scurry and flurry of the trivial “matters of consequence” (The Little Prince) of this careening world.

    As the years have passed the adventures have evolved. Instead of wearing tails, now we offer refuge to wayward cats, watch nature documentaries, and hunt for treasures in thrift stores. I continue following her lead, relishing in each expression, as she becomes a young woman riding horses, sketching unicorns, and playing a heavenly cello. Madeline’s presence in my life has given me permission to care for myself in deeper ways; to rest, imagine, invent, and laugh; to put aside the grand foolishness of being a seriously too serious grown adult fool for the much saner and healthier world of right NOW, where cats purr, dust moats spin, chocolate melts in your mouth, and anything that you might dream of is simply possible.

    The path of grandparenting has been my porthole into the present moment. Others arrive in this place of magic and peace, this essential reality, while cultivating their gardens, strolling among silent ancient Redwoods, or communing with other creatures. As my friend Marcy says, “My dogs will tell you that living in the present is the only life we have. If I ask them for a better explanation they give me a quizzical look, narrow their eyes, and, I imagine them wondering if I'm stupid. They are my teachers. They don't regret or worry. Every single one of them was born knowing that the only time is now.

   Maybe each of us was like this too when we were born. When you realize that nothing happens except now, each now is an opportunity to do your best…be who you want to be, fix what you want to fix, love without expectation or desire…patience, tolerance and beauty are all things of the present.”

   This blessed world is mad with activity and, like a tornado, it wants to suck us up and scatter our souls in the wind. We need to protect the haven of the present moment. It is not a luxury. It is a necessity and is our saving Grace. This is where we can “rest in God” and commune with each other. With our souls replenished we can give and receive true love and birth what is ours to bring forth into this hungry world.

-Candace Nagle

 Photo – "Madeline" by Kate Nagle