Be here and now

What is the present moment for you right now?

Is it all the work you have to get done by tomorrow?

Is it the pain that your past experiences have brought you?

Maybe it’s really difficult for you to be present right now.

Take a deep breath with me. Some people find themselves always thinking ahead, an hour ahead, a week ahead, that next deadline. Others find themselves thinking a lot about the past. Obviously, we have to think about the future and the past in today’s society. But are you living in the past or are you living in the future? Unfortunately, at this very moment, we can’t control what’s going to happen in the future or the past. But we can control our present.

Live in the present. The present moment is the only moment we can control. Mindfulness practices teach us that the present moment is all around us but is often overlooked. If you’d like, try this exercise with me.

Take a few deep breathes.

Now, try to focus all of your attention on only what you can hear around you.

Close your eyes and listen.

Now, try to focus all of your attention on only what you can physically feel around you.

Close your eyes and feel.

Breathe.

Do this one at a time with the rest of your senses.

Sight, smell, taste.

What did you hear? What did you smell? What is the present moment for you right now?

Yes, those deadlines are still going to be there and yes, those past experiences still there. But how was it for a few moments to leave all that behind and focus on what you can control, the present. Not all of us can live in the present, every single moment. I certainly can’t. But if you are living in the present for a few more moments today than you did yesterday, I see that as a gift and I see that as you practicing mindfulness. Join us in becoming an expert in mindfulness in your own way and unlocking the present moment in you forever! Be here and now.