Learning to Live in the Present

Many of us spend most of our time and energy worrying about the past or wondering what the future holds. If we can only learn to live in the present, savoring and enjoying what is happening to us right now, we could find so much more value in our lives.

Stuck in the past

Memories and experiences stay around in our minds like thick, sticky treacle. We look back in pain and anger at things that happened to us weeks, months or years ago.

We recall situations that caused us sorrow or embarrassment or that we feel let down by. We relive those “ouch” moments over and over again in our hearts and minds and we wonder why we cannot shake off the gloom that wraps itself around us when we dwell on the past.

Imagining the future

Wondering about what lies ahead can be exciting and motivating or it can be scary and threatening, depending on the dreams and visions we have created for ourselves.

How many times do we lie awake at night, thinking about tomorrow, or next week or next year, running scene after scene though our minds of what might happen? How often do we nurture feelings of anxiety and dread because we simply don’t know what lies ahead? We may be able to influence what happens tomorrow by the choices we make today but we cannot control the future.

Living in the present

So what if we concentrate on the present moment? Think about the amazing beings that we are, all the incredible things that we can do and the beautiful world that surrounds us.

Try living in the present for just one day and discover how your outlook on life can be so much better and more satisfying. Starting when you awake tomorrow morning, empty your mind of all thoughts of the past and all concerns about the future.

Focus on every little thing that you do and all that you see. Feel how wonderful it is to breathe deeply, to stretch, walk and take in the sights, sounds and smells of your surroundings. Touch the grass, feel the strength and warmth of the sun on your face, stick out your tongue and taste the rain!

Savour a long, cool drink of fresh water, chew slowly on your favorite food and wonder at the sensation and the taste that floods your mouth. Sit quietly and peacefully and listen to your all time favorite piece of music, read a great book or enjoy your garden or any other hobby that brings you contentment.

Make a promise to yourself that today you are going to take pleasure in the everyday, simple actions, objects and experiences that you take so much for granted. Give yourself permission to take a rest from worrying about the past and wondering about the future. Feel yourself expand with appreciation for just being alive and notice how your thoughts become lighter and more positive.

Developing the skill

Create some space in your daily routine to live in the present, if only for an hour a day. Set your mind free from all that drags you back to the past and all that bothers you about the future and allow yourself to relish and take pleasure in the tiny particles of life that you usually never even notice.

We often feel that we were put on this earth to pursue ambitions, to strive towards achievements, to acquire possessions, to gain status, to become rich and successful. But we were also born to live each moment, to enjoy the journey and to take the greatest pleasure that we can from our very brief time in the world that we know, before we move on to whatever awaits us.

Live in the present, love life, find happiness.