Usually, when you use words like ‘mindfulness’ and ‘meditation’ people tend to baulk. I think this is because they picture themselves sitting uncomfortably on a cushion for hours on end. In case you haven't guessed, I only say this because this is what I used to believe. Ha! So, instead of talking about mindfulness today, let’s talk about living in the present. Same same!
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So, what exactly does living in the present mean? After all, we can’t live in the past, right? Ohh you’d be surprised.
Living in the present is just about being aware of where you are and what you are doing in each moment. It’s paying attention, on purpose, to what’s going on for us right now. If this sounds ridiculously simple, you’re right, it is. However, that's not to say it is always easy!
Our minds are regularly going back into the past, often to fret or brood. Or they go into the future, frequently to worry.
Whatever your goals, or circumstances, making any lifestyle change asks for commitment and regular practice. The same goes for living in the present.
Developing a regular, consistent habit of mindfulness (living in the present) will help you live with clarity and not be distracted by busyness.
But you don’t have to set aside a half hour for a session every single day. Living in the present never needs to be a burden! While it’s good to schedule mindfulness breaks in your day to help you focus on the present moment, you can incorporate it into your regular schedule, too. The most mundane of tasks can provide an opportunity to practice living in the present.
For example, when you take a shower, instead of thinking ahead to that upcoming meeting or report, take a moment to feel the water on your skin, notice how the shampoo feels in your hand, how your body feels under the water. You can practice living in the present while you’re waiting in line, commuting, or stuck in traffic. Take a breath and notice what’s happening around you. Get into the habit of dropping into the present moment.
Okay, okay, the word ‘mindfulness’ may have slipped out once there. I’m not sorry because I simply could not fit 'living in the present’ into the sentence. But hopefully, you get the idea that the M word is not big or scary! Let’s move on to the tips...
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Disclosure: If you purchase anything from links in this post or any other, I may receive some kind of affiliate commission. However, I only ever mention products I love and would recommend whether I was being compensated or not.