How To Stay Present Consistently In 2022
Living in the now — Application for Dancing Elephants Press Book Project
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the rat race of life. It’s easy to feel stressed out when you have to work, take care of the house, kids, run errands, attend meetings, and so much more. In reality, most individuals rarely take the time to merely stop and smell the roses. Their vitality is depleted at the end of the day, and all they want to do is crawl into bed and sleep.
I believe we can all relate to busy seasons.
That isn’t the best way to live. In today’s world, stress is one of the most common ailments. Chronic stress can hook onto you as a result of worry over things like a sagging economy or failed relationships or a lack of jobs or any other of life’s situation, and before you realize it, you’re living a miserable life.
Sure, you have to work and complete your tasks, but learning to take care of yourself first is critical if you want to live a peaceful and happy life.
Living in the present
According to studies by US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health and American Psychological Association, those who practice the art of mindfulness, or living in the moment, have less stress and are happier. They’ve learnt to let go of much of life’s stress and embrace more relaxation and flow. What does it mean, though, to ‘live in the moment’?
What is mindfulness and how can it help you?
Being conscious of the current moment is all that mindfulness entails. It’s about being conscious of your thoughts and body. It’s a Zen Buddhist meditation practice that Jon Kabat-Zinn, a researcher, has been teaching for years.
There has been a lot of research and studies done on the impact of mindfulness on stress levels, emotions, pain, and other things. In fact, several hospitals are combining mindfulness with other therapies to help patients cope with stress and discomfort.
When was the last time you sat still in a peaceful place and let your mind wander? The majority of people never take the time to do so. They have hundreds of thoughts flowing through their heads all the time.
Mindfulness will allow you to put an end to your racing thoughts and enjoy some mental tranquility. After all, I believe that is what everyone desires.
How to experience mindfulness in every day living
Being present takes practice. We are more likely to be thinking about the past or future if we are not intentionally attempting to live in the present.
Here are some pointers to help you practice mindfulness more regularly:
Look for a peaceful place to sit or lie down. Take two or three deep breaths and relax your entire body as you exhale. Concentrate solely on your breath’s inhalation and exhalation. Return your attention to the present moment. Feel the chair or the floor beneath you, and listen to the sounds that surround you; melting away your daily stress in a mindful way.
You could think that this is a waste of time, but trust me when I say that it isn’t. If you set aside time each day to be attentive in this way, you will notice a reduction in tension and a shift in your mood to one of relaxation, calm, and happiness. Many persons who have practiced mindfulness and meditation can attest to the positive changes that have occurred in their lives as a result of constant practice.
Begin with a few minutes every day and progressively expand your time. You can also include mindfulness into your daily routine. Take a few minutes at work between clients or on your way home when caught in traffic. Be aware of your surroundings when you clean the kitchen, fold laundry, shower, cook supper, interact with the kids, and so on.
The more conscious you are, the more peace and joy you will experience.
Your path to more happiness and peace
Begin your journey toward a more mindful lifestyle right now. Spend some time smelling the flowers and listening to the birds sing. Make yourself at ease by sitting quietly with oneself. Concentrate on your breathing. It takes time and effort, so why not start practicing the skill of living in the now right now?
Make a pledge to start practicing mindfulness today on your path to more serenity and joy.
Additional article by Natalie Gasper
References
Desmond Tutu. The Book of Joy
Eckhart Tolle. The Power of Now
Rana DiOrio. What Does It Mean to Be Present
