Are You Present?
We’ve heard it over and over again and we can all agree that it’s important to “live in the moment.” But, do we really know what that means or how to do it? Day in and day out, we find ourselves yearning to be in places we’re not, wanting things we don’t have, and thinking of things we’re not getting done.
So, what does it really mean to “live in the moment?” Let’s try an experiment. It will only take about 3-5 minutes. Turn off the TV, the music, the computer, the phone, the dryer and the family pets … and find a quiet and comfortable place to sit. Take 2-3 really deep breathes, breathing in slowly through your nose and releasing it slowly through your mouth. Feel your chest rise and fall with each breath. Does the air have a scent? Can you smell the soup on the stove or the bowl of oranges on the table? Is there a breeze or is the air really still? What can you hear? The grandfather clock in the living room or the hum of the light fixture near your head, or maybe a car driving down the street? Feel the floor beneath your feet … notice the colors in the room around you. Are they calming or energizing? Every time a stray thought enters your brain, kick it out and re-focus on sitting still and paying attention to what’s around you.
Just taking a few minutes every day to totally focus on what we’re doing allows us to learn how to stay in the moment for longer and longer periods through the day. Let go of all the thoughts whirring through your brain, focus on and enjoy what you’re doing at the moment. String enough moments like this together and soon you’ll be a living example of the old saying: Life is a gift, it’s why they call it a present!!
by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | June 17, 2010
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