It's no secret that being present is a powerful thing. It helps you focus on the moment and provides calm in your life when things become hectic or stressful. This can help bring clarity to what is going on around you and provide peace of mind that only comes from being mindful of everything around us. So how do we start being more present?
Do you feel like you live on autopilot? You get up, get ready for the day, do your work or spend time with your family… and then get ready for bed. I'll bet you do the same things in the same order most days, unless something out of the ordinary happens.
Being present means being aware of what is happening in the moment. It's not always easy, but here are some things you can do:
Listen to music and really listen to it. Stop whatever else you're doing—even if it's watching TV or reading a book—and just listen. Close your eyes if that helps. What does the music sound like? How does it make you feel? Do some deep breathing for a minute or two once in a while during the day, especially when things get stressful. This will help calm your mind and body down so that they're ready for action rather than going on autopilot because they're stressed out!
How many days have you done this lately? Months? Years?
How many days have you done this lately? Months? Years?
When was the last time you were fully present in a conversation, or truly heard what someone said to you? It's hard to remember, isn't it? We're all so busy these days. We're always on autopilot and we don't even realize how much our mind is wandering off into other places until something happens that makes us snap back into focus. Like when someone says something important or disarms us with an unexpected comeback. Then again, maybe we don't even get that instant recognition that our attention has wandered off in the first place because there's so much going on around us all the time! But if this sounds like your life now—with phones buzzing every few seconds with notifications and social media updates—then here's a question: How many days have you done this lately? Months? Years? And if so...how does it feel to be on autopilot most of the day instead of being present in real life situations where people are talking directly TO YOU?!
Think about it… when was the last time you did something different? Took a different route to work? Ordered something different from your regular menu at a restaurant? Spent some time doing something relaxing and calming like reading a good book or painting? When was the last time you were truly present and mindful?
It’s important to be aware that mindfulness is not about trying to achieve anything in particular. It’s about being aware of what is going on all around you, both inside and outside your body.
You can try taking note of what you see, hear, smell and feel at any given moment – observing things as they are without judging them or having any expectations (whether they are good or bad). This kind of awareness helps bring more peace and calm into our lives as it stops us from getting caught up with thoughts like “I wish this person hadn't said that” or “I hope I don't run into him again”!
I don't see any judgment behind that question - it's just a simple question to consider. I think we've all fallen into this habit of living on autopilot. All moms seem to be that way by necessity. We're running kids here, there, and everywhere and are often so busy we forget to eat until our stomachs are growling.
"Don't you think it's important to be present for your kids?"
"I don't see any judgment behind that question - it's just a simple question to consider. I think we've all fallen into this habit of living on autopilot. All moms seem to be that way by necessity."
"We're running kids here, there, and everywhere and are often so busy we forget to eat until our stomachs are growling."
It's not just moms though. If you work outside the home, chances are you run from one thing to another all day long - meetings, conference calls, maybe even driving from customer to customer. Who has time for "relaxation?"
When you're present, you're focused on the task at hand. You don't worry about past or future, just what's happening right now. Most importantly, being present means taking a deep breath and relaxing! You might be surprised at how much more productive and focused you are when you make an effort to just enjoy what's going on around you.
As moms we often find ourselves running from one thing to another all day long—meetings, conference calls, maybe even driving from customer to customer. Who has time for "relaxation?" But if we're not careful this kind of busy-ness can lead to burnout and even depression over time. If this sounds like something familiar in your life right now take heart because there is hope! Learning how to slow down our pace and enjoy each moment is something that anyone can do regardless of their circumstances; whether they're working outside the home or inside it doesn't matter because both require us keeping ourselves present in order maintain balance throughout life's ups and downs (which will inevitably come). With practice mindfulness becomes easier—and more rewarding too!
Try to be more mindful in your everyday life and take note of what is going on around you. It will help bring more peace and calm into your life!
It is important to take time to be mindful and present in your everyday life. There are many ways you can do this, but one of the easiest ways is by taking note of what is going on around you. Try to get into a habit of noticing things around you as they happen, and try not to jump from one thought or activity straight into another without taking a moment to appreciate what's happening right now. This will help bring more peace and calm into your life!
It's hard to be present. I know that because I've tried many times myself. But it's not impossible! You can start with small things like taking time each day to sit quietly and reflect on your life or spending some time outside in nature rather than watching TV all evening long. Just take one step at a time until you get into the habit of being more mindful in everything you do.
