Do you worry about the past and fret about the future? Many of us do. Experts say that by being more mindful and grounded in the present, we open ourselves up to enjoy a full, fulfilling life. So how do you live in the moment?
Set Your Mind on Mindfulness
Living in the moment is all about mindfulness – being fully aware of life right now. In this moment. Not five minutes ago, not four years ahead, but right now. Sounds simple, right? It can be, with a little practice.
Why practice mindfulness? By focusing on things as they happen, you may find that life becomes richer and you feel happier and healthier. Eating becomes more pleasurable, spending time with friends and families more wholesome and even boring chores such as washing the dishes can become more interesting.
Just Do One Thing
We may boast about being brilliant multi-taskers, but doing a million things at once can be detrimental to our health and happiness. It's best to instead do one thing at a time. When you sit down to eat, just eat. Don't tweet and talk and watch TV and read the paper. Just eat. When driving, just drive. When catching up with a friend, give her all of your attention.
There's a Zen proverb that states: “When walking, walk. When eating, eat.” Try it! You'll see just how focused you become by doing one thing at a time.
Be Slow, Be Still
Our modern lifestyle pushes us to rush. Rush to meetings, rush to collect the kids from school, rush to the doctor's (only to sit impatiently for twenty minutes!) When you do a single task – such as making a cup of tea – do it slowly. Make each movement deliberate and controlled. Think about how your body is moving to complete the task.
A great tip to slowing down is to add a buffer before appointments. By allowing yourself more time to complete a task, you'll be less inclined to rush. It will also give you a few moments' breathing space before you tackle the next thing.
Do What Counts
When you look at your schedule, it may seem impossible to cut back on tasks. But it can be done, no matter how busy you are. Sure, it may mean you have to drop a few things or leave them to tomorrow, but your world won't come crashing down if you do.
Focus on getting through the most important things each day and leave the rest to another day. Do what matters, do it well and be thankful.
Originally published on Jun 12, 2013
