Being in the moment on Atwater and René-Lévesque

Hello dear friends of the 514 and world wide! This morning, as I was riding Navi, my faithful Vespa, I was sitting and waiting at a red light as I often do in this busy city. While I was waiting, I noticed a young man in his car having what seemed like the last few bites of a really tasty cream cheese bagel...mmm! I was quite a few feet back so I could barely see. However, from what I saw, the man seemed to be enjoying his meal behind the wheel! And I thought to myself: having appetite is important. Having appetite for life is priceless.  Enjoying those little moments that we share with ourselves and that reconnect us with who we are. Those moments that get us started to take on the day, come what may. 

I then turned to look down at the colourful flowers that were on my left. So many of them, perfectly planted. They probably go unnoticed to most, but given that I am exposed and so close to even touch them, I take the moment to admire them. Just  then, I hear someone's music playing. It is a tiny bit loud for the morning ride but then, I remembered that I too once was 21 and played music, whether it be The Beatles or whatever band I loved at the time, at a volume higher than usual.

It is then that I realized that being in the moment and in the now is something I am practically forced to do when I ride since I am so aware of my surroundings. I hear the little things we take for granted: a coffee shop owner sweeping the sidewalk, birds chirping, people talking, my little engine rumbling and everyone else's...in essence, the sound of the city slowly waking up and starting to buzz. 

The wind then swished through my hair - snapping me out of my thoughts and before I knew it, the light turned green and I was off again. Off to turn left on Maisonneuve Ouest and park Navi. Off to cross the street and walk in my office building. Off to start my day and do what I love, come what may.

What is your morning ritual like?... :) 

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