Practicing being present in our lives allows us to focus on experiencing life in the moment, rather than worrying or ruminating over the future or past "problems." We get a perspective that lets us see what's going on more clearly. How many times have you been sitting with your children, or a friend/family member, and spent so much time worrying or thinking about all the "things" you have to "do," or things you did not "do," that you are not able to give the person/people your full attention? I have caught myself doing that on numerous occasions - even now, after practicing presence for many years - but the key is that I catch myself being distracted from someone I'm interacting with, or the task at hand, and for the most part, by consciously focusing on my body - the energy moving through my body - am able to focus on the present moment, and give people or the task at hand, my full attention.
How do we redirect our focus to the present moment?
The first step is to take a few deep breaths in and out.
Next, focus your attention on your toes, your feet. Notice how they feel - is there pressure, a warmth, or are they cool? Most people report feeling a "tingling" sensation in their feet.
Take that feeling - whatever it is for you - and begin to move it up through your body, very slowly. Feel it in your heels, calves, knees, thighs, hips, then up your spine - slowly - feel it in your abdomen, your chest, up through your shoulders and down both arms, into your hands. Do not forget to breathe. Feel the wave of your attention in your fingers - then move back up your arms through your shoulders, to your neck, and into your head. Feel the warmth of your focus on your face - your nose, your skin on your face.
With practice, you can learn to do this exercise in a matter of moments - even while you are interacting with others.
Finding balance is an important part of feeling in the flow of life.
While focusing on the present moment helps us live more in the flow of life, and make better decisions - it is important for us to take some time in the present moment to plan, and consider the past to help us make better decisions. Many of the "things" we worry about might be things we need to do, or things we did not do - or did not do in a way that made us feel pleased. A number of people have told me that they use the "worry" to motivate them - but that kind of motivation makes it more likely that we act our of fear, or exasperation, rather than from the wisdom of presence. So it is important to consider the past and future when making decisions in the present moment. The way to feel peace and joy is to find, and live in, balance, not getting so preoccupied with the past or future that we forget to live in the moment.
Exercise: Stop at some point today and notice something that makes your heart say "awww." Whether that is a flower, a tree, birds, children playing, or maybe a driver let's you into the flow of traffic unexpectedly. Just feel that appreciation and gratitude in the core of your being. This gives your energy an immediate lift, you will feel more light hearted.
How do we redirect our focus to the present moment?
The first step is to take a few deep breaths in and out.
Next, focus your attention on your toes, your feet. Notice how they feel - is there pressure, a warmth, or are they cool? Most people report feeling a "tingling" sensation in their feet.
Take that feeling - whatever it is for you - and begin to move it up through your body, very slowly. Feel it in your heels, calves, knees, thighs, hips, then up your spine - slowly - feel it in your abdomen, your chest, up through your shoulders and down both arms, into your hands. Do not forget to breathe. Feel the wave of your attention in your fingers - then move back up your arms through your shoulders, to your neck, and into your head. Feel the warmth of your focus on your face - your nose, your skin on your face.
With practice, you can learn to do this exercise in a matter of moments - even while you are interacting with others.
Finding balance is an important part of feeling in the flow of life.
While focusing on the present moment helps us live more in the flow of life, and make better decisions - it is important for us to take some time in the present moment to plan, and consider the past to help us make better decisions. Many of the "things" we worry about might be things we need to do, or things we did not do - or did not do in a way that made us feel pleased. A number of people have told me that they use the "worry" to motivate them - but that kind of motivation makes it more likely that we act our of fear, or exasperation, rather than from the wisdom of presence. So it is important to consider the past and future when making decisions in the present moment. The way to feel peace and joy is to find, and live in, balance, not getting so preoccupied with the past or future that we forget to live in the moment.
Exercise: Stop at some point today and notice something that makes your heart say "awww." Whether that is a flower, a tree, birds, children playing, or maybe a driver let's you into the flow of traffic unexpectedly. Just feel that appreciation and gratitude in the core of your being. This gives your energy an immediate lift, you will feel more light hearted.
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