I Am Here Now, I Am Alive

December 2, 2024

Writer: Victoria Pescod 

I arrive at class, unroll my mat, settle into place, and begin to move. The intensity of the movements puts my body in a blaring heat. My heart is racing, and somewhere along the way, I forget to breathe. 

As the class ends and the music slows, I lie down and can feel each moment of strain and release. I sit with my eyes closed and my head above my heart. A voice cuts through my thoughts. “If you’re ready to move on with your day, begin to bring tiny movements back into your body. Tap each finger to your thumb.” My fingers follow the rhythm as the instructor recites, 1,2,3,4 — “I am, here now.”

The room is quiet except for the steady hum of my breathing, each inhale and exhale counting down to something grounding, something tangible. I never thought counting could mean more than math or time, yet here, each number is an anchor. This mindfulness exercise filled my heart with gratitude, reminding me of the privilege of simply being. As I meditated, I reflected on the flow of my thoughts — each one like a wave, rising and falling in the deep ocean of my mind. With every breath, I began to feel a shift, as though I was no longer consumed by my worries but instead observing them from a distance. It was in this stillness that I began to acknowledge and realize the importance of gratitude. I came to understand that our problems are small in comparison to the vastness of life. Sometimes, we forget how blessed we are simply to be alive.

In my world beyond the mat, life rushes by and anxiety seeps in. This space and practice have taught me how to let go, notice, and savor life’s smallest details. In a world where we are constantly pulled in multiple directions, our thoughts scatter across worries, plans, and distractions– There is always a new notification or another item on the to-do list. But the act of truly being is something else entirely. It's about slowing down, treating each moment as a sacred one, and focusing on the present.

Although I initially saw yoga as solely a good workout, it has taught me that presence isn’t just a physical state; it’s a mindset. Every pose and deep breath is an invitation to step into the moment fully. When I focus on balancing, stretching, or even counting my breaths, I become anchored in my body and my senses. Suddenly, all the noise fades away, leaving a profound sense of clarity. Being present is no longer something I achieve only on the mat but has become a habit I’m learning to carry with me throughout my days—a constant reminder to slow down and notice the beauty in my existence.

If there’s one lesson yoga has ingrained in me, it’s that our breath is a powerful teacher. In moments of stress, we often forget to breathe deeply, letting shallow breaths mirror our accelerated thoughts. But in yoga, I’ve come to see how mindful breathing can calm both the body and the mind. When I’m anxious, focusing on my breath brings a sense of calmness and control. It reminds me that, no matter how fast the world is spinning, I have the power to slow down and find peace.

I´ve come to understand that gratitude and joy don´t have to stem from extraordinary events, but instead lie in the little things– like the warmth of the sun on my skin, a shared smile, a hug in the form of a fresh breeze, or contemplating a night sky adorned by stars. Each time I leave my mat, I find myself carrying this awareness with me, noticing and appreciating the little things that make life beautiful. These small moments bring a sense of wonder that often goes unnoticed in the rush of daily life.

I close my eyes, keeping my head above my heart. 

I breathe deeply. 

I tap each finger to my thumb as I repeat,  

“I am here now.” 

“I am alive.”