All to often we find ourselves moving backwards into the past or forward into the future. Conversations oscillating between, could’ve, should’ve, would’ve or maybe’s and what if’s. We’re so busy unravelling the past or planning the future, we forget this moment, right here, is precious. And once it’s slipped through our fingers we’ve lost it.
To live without disappointments, a sense of loss or hectic activity that leads to emptiness, it’s essential to be in the moment, live in the instant, rather than the present situation.
By regularly bringing our awareness into the present moment, we feel more centred and peaceful, our responses are more thoughtful and we’re able to discover the joy that comes from the gift of ‘now’.
We know we’re in the moment, when we’re aware of the body, mind and heart; fully attentive. It’s just not possible to be thinking about something else and be present.
Here are a few practices that enable us to live in the present:
Contentment:
Contentment makes being present easy. Contentment allows you to simplify. It’s about feeling we have everything that we need, and trusting that everything we will ever need will come to us as and when we need it.
It’s when we accept things as they are, we give life to contentment. Acceptance is possible when we’re able to let go of the past by learning from its lesson. If a situation keeps repeating itself, ask yourself, ‘what am I meant to be learning from this?’ When we make peace with the past, things transform. Why not step up and enjoy every moment as an easy and natural way to grow, simply ask yourself regularly, ‘what’s the lesson here?’
Practise Feeding
Practise feeding the mind with powerful thoughts about the self. Regular practice produces focused thinking that allows you to be present with your heart. The best way to create these thoughts is by ensuring they are timeless and based on your character. Start by acknowledging, I am… determined, cheerful, visionary, sincere, responsible etc. Acknowledge the best in yourself, while making the trait relevant to the moment.
Fresh Starts
Make fresh starts. Whenever you meet someone, make out to meet them as if you’re meeting them for the first time. Keep the interest, openness and genuine goodwill in full flow. Do this and you’re free of the past, because there’s no history you’re bringing into the present. Goodwill solidifies you in the now as you enjoy the moment.
The past is the past. The future’s around the corner. Each day is a new day. Today, we know, is our opportunity to create the tomorrow we want. The only thing we have in our hands is now. So go ahead, enjoy the moment!
