How to Live in the Present

 

Living life in the present doesn’t needs to be some off-the-wall idea, or something that sounds good on paper. It seems like a childish dream to become whisked away somewhere amidst the business of life. We need to rush, right? This is where mindfulness comes in handy. What does it mean to be mindful? It means to be fully present in what you’re doing instead of multitasking, or doing uneventful tasks like making the bed. It can become a simple practice.

Don't Rush

Don’t rush everything you do. If you have five minutes to drink a coffee in the morning, just do that. Enjoy it for what it is, a five minute break. Space the next task 10 minutes later, it sounds like a lot, and something that can’t be done, try it.

Just 10

Just give me 10 minutes. Go outside for fresh air, or go for a walk, and take a breath be mind in the setting and breathe in silence. This will quiet the mind and spirit. Think of the now, not tomorrow, or the past. Make it a habit to enjoy nature, or a time to be thankful.

Prayer

Engage in prayer or meditation. Yoga is another practice to do to help train the mind to slow down, and experience the present. Stretch before you start the day, and make it a daily practice. Doing this will energize you.

Reflections

Write your reflections in a journal to express how you feel, and ways to slow down. This can be eating slower, taking sips of tea, not gulps, and listening to music that lifts you up. What are the things you like to accomplish today? Jot them down without reservation. Focus on the good, not what is wrong, or could go wrong with a comforting drink or music.

Corine Gatti is a Senior Editor at Beliefnet.com.