Importance of being present in the moment. 5 simple ways of practicing being present.
Let’s start by asking ourselves to define the terms planning and analyzing. Well, planning is making plans and organizing things that are to be executed in the future. Now, analyzing means trying to make sense of things or situations that already took place in the past. These two things are what we keep doing in the present, the eternal now. And, because most of us don’t understand the meaning and the importance of now, we tend to pass the moment and its beauty by indulging our minds in planning and analyzing.
What does it mean to live in the present?
In the present moment you are no longer chasing emotions, you are not sad, you are not angry, you aren’t frustrated, you are the ultimate being who has kept aside his past and his future and the only thing left is the present and here, only awareness can exist. You are relaxed cause your mind isn’t hopping here and there. You are letting go of your thoughts and you are connecting to your inner self, the consciousness itself.
You are content with the moment and contentment is satisfaction. The reason why you are content is that your mind is free of wants, desires, and expectations. No situation, no person, nothing is pulling your mind back and forth. And, because your mind is quiet, you can listen to your spirit, your inner self which we often call consciousness. It is not running behind anything. You are just watching, hearing, smelling, and touching what you can sense right here right now. At this moment everything is perfect, the sun is shining its beautiful light, the birds chirping on the trees sound soothing to your ears, the breeze coming from the window is exactly what you want and the breath you just took is the only thing your soul needs right. So, don’t be so ignorant of the beauty which is right in front, around, and within you. Let’s not disrespect the present, by not feeling it. The present just wants to be felt, it doesn’t ask for anything else but just to be aware of it.
What does it mean to not live in the moment?
You must be wondering your life has endless “now” moments and you have many such moments ahead in your life but here’s the catch, once the moment is gone by doing the thinking it goes into the past and the coming moment is the future so in-short the only thing you are doing is wasting the moment instead of living it. Give it a thought.
Let’s test this out right now. For thirty seconds think of the most embarrassing situation in your life. How does it make you feel? Not so good right? Okay, thirty seconds are gone in the bin called past you can’t change it and you lived that embarrassing moment twice.
Now, for 30 seconds think about your job interview or exam or important meeting which is in the upcoming days. Ah! I can sense your heartbeat racing. You are worried about how will it be, will it be good or bad. You don’t have a clear answer and you won’t have it till the time you experience it, again you wasted your 30 seconds and did not gain anything but negative emotions. Planning for the future is a different thing here, you should maintain a balance between planning for the future and experiencing the now.
You just saw that one minute of your life passed in your head, it’s just one minute I agree but you do this all the time. Instead of spending the time in your head you can play that instrument of yours or listen to that beautiful melody of the birds outside your window and be content. It’s not rocket science, it is as simple as it sounds.
How does it feel to live in the moment?
Living in the present moment is like meditating with eyes open, everything is as it is supposed to be. There is nothing to argue or worry about, there are no expectations. Everything is happening at its own pace and you are no longer attached to anything. You are letting go of everything and are in a state of pure bliss.
5 simple ways of practicing being present.
Talking.
Be it talking to yourself or talking to others you have to keep your ears open. You don’t have to listen just because you have nothing better to do or you are bored. Talk and listen with full awareness of what words are being exchanged with the person you are talking to, is this talk helping you or the other person in any way. How are you making the other person feel with your words and sentences and how are you feeling with this conversation. Having some thoughts in the background while communicating is not being in the moment. Next time onwards start noticing if you are fully present or not in the conversation.
Eating.
Most of us have the habit of multitasking while eating. Keep the phone away, pay attention to the taste of the food, and how it is nourishing your body, mind, and soul. Be conscious of what you are eating, ask yourself if the food you are eating is good for your body, and most importantly is it good for your well-being and your peace of mind. I am not kidding, it is proven that there is a direct relation between your state of being and what is there in your stomach. Don’t throw anything and everything into your body just because you don’t have time or you can’t cook or your taste buds are craving the junk.
Go for a walk.
Try this out today. Go out for a walk without your phone and your thoughts regarding that important meeting. While walking, watch the surroundings and be aware of what’s coming into your mind from within at that moment. Observe the people, how is everyone acting what is the vibe, what is the energy of the area you are walking around. Take the fresh air and focus on your breaths, take deep breaths and simply walk. Notice the change in your energy or your mood. Don’t talk back with the thoughts you are generating, let them come and go. You are meditating while you walk.
Writing.
This one I will suggest trying out first because when you write you are connecting with your thoughts, you are acknowledging them. Please do not say you cannot write, I am suggesting to write down your thoughts, write without any topic in your mind. You have to go with the flow. I repeat, whatever comes to your mind write it down. It’s a brilliant way to connect with ourselves. Start with 5 minutes a day. Don’t take it as a task, it is a way of connecting to yourself and just being one with awareness.
Immerse into art.
What is Art? Art is anything and everything that is done with love and by doing that particular activity you feel content for that amount of time. You forget everything and are immersed in that activity.
It can be painting, simple doodling, cooking, playing an instrument or it can be just banging your desks to create music. The whole point is to do what your soul desires and makes your soul happy. It’s better than spending your time in your head planning and analyzing.
