THE ART OF BEING PRESENT

Humans nowadays are overwhelmed by countless distractions - now more than ever.

However, the effects can be harmful. 

From losing one’s focus to constantly worrying about the future and reliving the past, people are letting precious moments slip away unnoticed. 

Tony Robbins, a famous life coach, quotes: "If you're in your head, you’re dead.” It means if you aren’t enjoying the fleeting pleasures life offers you today; you aren’t living at all. 

But don’t worry. I’ll tell you about the remarkable power of being present at the moment and let you in on several practical tips to tap into the transformative power of mindfulness.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Being present means being aware of your environment and being mindful. It involves staying attuned to your feelings, thoughts, and emotions in real time.

You connect yourself with the surroundings and let go of the things that worry you. 

Interestingly, several studies suggest that individuals who live the moment have fulfilling, enjoyable, and engaging life experiences. 

It also reduces stress and anxiety as people let go of their worries and focus on the present moment. Furthermore, mindfulness enhances concentration, learning ability, and listening skills. But how?

Well, mindful people let go of their self-consciousness, which allows them to direct their attention towards the person they are interacting with. Similarly, being present enhances creativity since people are fully immersed in the present without being distracted by their thoughts. 

All these points combined mean that people who live the present excel in their daily activities and build meaningful relationships. 

HOW TO ACHIEVE THE ULTIMATE LEVEL OF MINDFULNESS?

The art of practicing mindfulness yields fruitful results for an individual - both in the personal and professional life. 

Here are five tried-and-tested ways to help you appreciate and live the present moments. 

MEDITATION

Meditation is a practice that helps one internalize feelings, improve focus, redirect thoughts, and learn how to be present in mind and soul. One of the simplest ways to start meditation is to sit in a quiet place with eyes closed and set a timer - it should ideally be short if you’re a beginner. 

After that, allow your thoughts to flow and focus on your breathing without getting disrupted by them. However, it’s easier said than done. You should be consistent and practice it daily if you want to notice the benefits soon enough.

Alternatively, you can also try pilates, yoga, and tai chi - movements that focus on elevating breathing and sensations in your body.

GRATITUDE

Take a moment and express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. This diverts your mind to the present, improves mood, and cultivates a sense of contentment.

ENGAGE YOUR SENSES

If your mind wanders to new unknown dimensions, you need to engage your senses. Take a moment to absorb your surroundings - close your eyes, and notice the sounds, smells, and objects around you.

Go for a walk or journal your feelings to internalize your thoughts. Start with something simple: wake up and acknowledge how you feel. 

ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS

You must actively avoid self-sabotaging activities, such as checking the phone constantly, surfing social media cluelessly, or multitasking. All these things can adversely affect your well-being and ability to be present.

So, take a break from social media and other technologies every once in a while to stay present-focused. Focus on one task at hand since multitasking can distract you or make it difficult to retain information.

UNLOCK THE MAGIC OF NOW:
IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFESTYLE BY LIVING IN THE MOMENT

Instead of worrying about things that aren’t in your control, it’s better to let go of your woes and relish the present moment as much as possible.  Wherever you are - in your home with your family or workplace - focus on the moment to make your life pleasant, fulfilling, and meaningful.

Think of it this way: the opportunities you have today won’t be there tomorrow. So, start living in the moment today to avoid regretting it tomorrow. 

Say hello to a fulfilling life!