5 Ways Series: Staying in the Present Moment
“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” Buddha
Living in the present moment is something that we all aspire to do and be one with, but it is not always easy since the modern world we live in has us believing it is completely normal to be juggling anxiety, stress, pressure, worry about the past and the future daily.
Being in the present is all about the “here and now” and truly releasing yesterday and all that was before, and not looking to tomorrow or what may or may not come. To be in the exact moment you are and send all your attention and focus to the “here and now”. Fight the desire to go back in-time or travel to the future and stand strong in your present, this is all that we have. It is okay to think about the past and the future sometimes but not obsessively or to the point where your present moment doesn’t have any space for itself. Be mindful and balance your past, present and future.
What does it mean to be in the present moment?
It means centering yourself into the exact moment you are living and breathing in.
It means not letting your past control you and form non-supportive or unloving habits.
It means not allowing the future worry to control you and create an illusion that has not happened yet or may never happen.
It means truly understanding that yesterday is gone, and we must forgive it, learn from it, and let go of it.
“The next message you need is always right where you are.” Ram Dass
Think about the past in small doses – don’t consume yourself with that was, allow there to be time for reflection and healing the past but do not dwell in the past or place all your energy in the past since it truly no longer exists.
Stop worrying about the future – yes, it is important to think about the future but not to worry about it constantly, this will only squeeze the opportunity out of the present moment and your intentions for the future.
Scan your body with affection and care – take a few moments every day to scan your body from head-to-toe; see where you have pain, or tension or other kinds of sensations and then begin to send breathe to them or actively tend to them with touch.
Honor where you are at here and now – think about all you have overcome or created in your life and how these lessons and experiences are your power; and honor them, then shift that attention to the present and be proud of who you are.
Find your flow – create a rhythm for yourself, one that you lean on daily, and let this flow guide your day. This could be breath and stretching, followed by ‘morning pages’ and then lemon water, so and so forth, but create a supportive daily flow to keep you centered in the present.
“If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is to be present in the present. Gratefully.” Maya Angelou
