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“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.”
― Eckhart Tolle
Being mindful of the present moment is not always easy with our busy lives, anxiety about the past, stresses regarding the future. Like anything else, however, little steps result in big shifts.
An easy first step is to take your life off autopilot and truly wake up to consciously experiencing each moment. How many times have you sat with a friend and realized you heard about thirty percent of what they were communicating? Do you sit in front of the television with your meal and look down five minutes later to an empty plate? Is it typical for you to check your phone several times throughout dinner with your friends or family?
These habits have a tendency to rob us from witnessing the good stuff in our lives such as family, friends, delicious food, and opportunities for peaceful moments.
Becoming more mindful is actually quite easy. The challenging part is remembering to do it! To start living more in the “now,” try out these tips today
1. Focus on your breath. You can do this through 2-3 minutes of meditation each morning. The key is not duration but consistency. Throughout the day check in with your breath as it immediately brings you to the moment.
2. Take an “auto pilot habit” such as brushing your teeth, folding laundry, or doing the dishes, and truly experience it. Use all your senses to fully be in the moment of what is typically a mundane task.
3. Savor your meals. Give yourself the gift of turning off the television or putting away the phone while you slowly enjoy a delicious meal. Utilizing all your senses, start to observe, smell, taste and enjoy each bite slowly.
4. Focus on what is in front of you. Is it a friend, a beautiful sunset, a school assignment, work project? Whatever it is, give it 100% of your attention.
Good luck and wishes to you for a happy and mindful day!
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