If you’re like me, we tend to get distracted from what’s actually happening in the here and now. We tend to become absorbed in a past we cannot change, or project ourselves into a future that may never happen. That’s just our EGO trying to take over and keep us living a subconscious life. However, when we choose to live consciously, we realize the gift of living in the present.
Our brain has an over developed thinking process, which is completely an amazing quality to have. But it can also be a distraction. Why? Just think about it. The only way we can bring up the past or the future is through our thoughts. That’s because the events have either come and gone or have not yet happened.
Yes, let that marinate for a moment.
Your Past is Just a Story
The past and future are always just thoughts, not truths, but thoughts that we’ve turned into a story that we tell ourselves over and over again. Yes! Thoughts, NOT truths. Why not truths? Because everything from the past is replayed in our head the way we perceived them. And the way we perceive things may not always be centered on the truth. For example, when people witness an accident – the same accident – and are asked to describe what happened, their version of events generally varies. That’s because each saw it from their own perspective. The same is true for every event in our own lives.
Pretty mind blowing no?
So, instead of allowing our EGO to continue to judge us and fill our heads with the same self defeating story – “I’m not rich enough, pretty enough, skinny enough, smart enough, etc.” Why not stop all the negative chatter and instead choose to be grateful for who we are and all that we have in the here and now?
Trust me. I know how much easier it is to believe the negative stuff our EGO wants us to believe about ourselves. It’s what helps keep us stuck in the familiar vs. trying to figure out a new version of ourselves. I get it. Change, even for the better, is overwhelming and scary. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to help.
Ways to Live in the Moment
Stop multitasking. Focus on one thing at a time. – Trust me – as a multitasker living and working in the digital world – I realize that’s easier said than done. But when I take time to truly connect to the what’s in front of me, things just seem to become clearer.
Take time to savor your food without distractions. – Try not to eat in front of your computer, while on your phone, while driving, etc. The saying, “We eat with our eyes,” is true. The brain needs time to connect with and savor what you’re eating to help let you know that you actually just ate something, and to help you determine when you’re full.
Give your undivided attention. – Whether it’s a colleague, family, a stranger, etc. practice “active listening.” This is where you not only listen to what the other person is saying, but you seek to understand them as well. To do this, you can’t allow yourself to be distracted by anything going on around you. Nor should you allow your mind to wonder to what you would do or say in a similar situation. Just be present.
Live in gratitude. – When we approach everyday being grateful for all that we have vs. what we don’t have, it’s so much easier to worry less about a past we want to change, or a future we’re not sure will ever be. To help, I generally start and end my day listing at least 5 things I’m grateful for. Try it and see what it does for you.
Breathe – Sounds simple. But If you can’t stop all the incessant noise swirling in your head, and meditation isn’t in your practice, it’s the next best thing to help you clear you head. All you have to do is take a deep breath and consciously listen to it as you inhale and exhale. See your chest rise and fall. Pay attention to the sensation. Continue to do this until you find that your mind has settled and you find yourself back in the here and now.
As you can see, living in the present is all about making conscious choices. It’s about letting go of the thoughts and stories that are no longer serving us, and replacing them with our current reality. Sure it takes work, but life is always sweeter on the other side.
Try it out for yourself and let me know how it goes.
What thoughts or stories do you need to let go of to start living in the present?
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One negative thought that has been creeping in lately has been my choice in bachelors degree. I’m thinking I should have majored in something different. But its done and I am just proud that I was able to put myself through school and complete it.
Great post!
Thanks Liz, but don’t let what you majored in bother you. What matters is that you have a degree. If you’re considering a career change look for a mentor in that field and for volunteer opportunities to get you in the door. My Bachelors is in History and I’ve been in mgmt, HR, training and now in all things digital. 😉 Where there’s a will, there’s a way! Good luck! And keep repeating this to yourself. All is well. Whatever I need comes to me. Everything is working out for my highest good. xoxo
Great advise that we need to stop with the negative thinking & negative inner self talk. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Lisa & thanks for being an amazing supporter! You’re the bestest and the true epidimy of a selfless human being, Love ya! Xoxo
This is so true, we bother ourselves with so much thinking, worry and shame. Staying in the present and working toward our goals is way more productive and healthy. Keep it up, you know you can! 🙂
Thanks so much! Happy you stopped in! Have a fab week-!
Negative thoughts and fear is what sometimes make me feel unhappy or like I don’t even know where am I. But I choose to live just like my girls, in the today, enjoying little things. It’s hard, as adults we learn to live to the future but sometimes (most of the time) we just waste our present.
Great read!
Happy you stopped by Blanca & thanks for sharing! Here’s to continuing to live in the present 😆
The present and the now because yesterday is just that ! I believe we are all guilty of the could’a,should’a but the more we surround ourselves with positive people and continue to live to be happy then it makes it all easier. Loving,Laughing and Living for TODAY ! Great read chica : ).
Josie @fitfunand.com
Thanks for stopping by Josie and happy the positivity, live in the present feeling of this post hit home. It’s been a great reminder for me for sure! Have a great week.
Such great advice! We are what we think 🙂 Not always easy but definitely worth putting an effort into consciously living in the moment.
More than we realize Jasmine. Thanks so much for stopping by & sharing! It means the world. Have a fab week!
wow mija this is hitting home, this is what I have been dealing last four weeks, negative thinking ain’t no good many thanks for the inspiration I will share with my mother in law who has been in the hospital for the last four weeks and we are working hard with her to change her train of thought to a positive outlook. Positive thinking can make such a difference.
Si Adriana, unfortunately our life is filled with thoughts of what was and what could have been, instead of just appreciating the now. It’s a process for which we have to be ready to embrace so take it easy on your mother in law because she may not be ready to move toward positivity and light. it’s a journey which we all come to at our own time & that’s ok
I believe this 100 percent. Thanks for the inspiration!
Totally Maria and thanks for stopping in!