5 Ways To Stay In The Moment

 

There’s no doubt that we live in a fast-paced world. Technology has given us instant access to information and entertainment, which can be both good and bad. How many times have you been staring at your phone, looking for useless information, or how many likes have you had on Instagram? I know I have days like that. They tend to leave me restless and disconnected even though I’m connected to a virtual world of clicks and chaos! This downside of our always-connected lifestyle is that it’s easy to get caught up in noise and distractions. We can quickly lose touch with the present moment. To make matters worse, this can lead to anxiety, stress, and unhappiness.

We all know that the days fly by quickly. Mindfulness and staying in the moment seem impossible. Sometimes we feel like passengers on a runaway train, watching our life speed by. Learning how to stay in the moment is essential to living a more fulfilling life. But why? Life takes over when we are not in the moment or being mindful. We spend time thinking about the past and future instead of living life right now. We are fragmented and deteriorating mentally due to a lack of meaning. So, how do we realign ourselves?

There is no magic pill, as they say. To make gains in any area of life, we must put forth the effort with perseverance. Now, I know from experience how tough that can be. I tell myself, “I can do this, no problem.” Well, like anything worthwhile in life, not only do we need motivation and effort, we need patience. I do hate waiting, I must admit. In that waiting timeframe comes the most learning. It may not feel that way, but when we look back at our accomplishments, none of them happened overnight. Right?

This article discusses how people can gain mindfulness in their daily lives by focusing on what is happening now without allowing themselves to get lost in worry over other things. A challenge for many, including myself, but it is worth the effort as you can experience a real sense of joy.

The Power of Now

When you are living in the moment, every day is a new beginning. Eckhart Tolle, a spiritual self-help master, has focused on this concept. His teachings speak about the significance and power of Presence. Being present helps us attain the awakened state of consciousness. This is the state in which our ego transcends. Eckhart sees this awakening as the essential next step in human evolution. His work has helped millions find peace and happiness by teaching the importance of staying in the moment.

His most influential book, “The Power Of Now,” guides people who want more control over how they spend each precious second of everyday life. Tolle teaches us how we can live happier lives by learning not just what happens inside ourselves but also why certain things happen as they do. His words help us regain meaning back into our everyday experiences. This is done by understanding and internalizing pure Consciousness. I recommend this book to anyone who seeks Truth.

“In today’s rush, we all think too much, seek too much, want too much, and forget about the joy of just being.” Eckhart Tolle

 

Staying in the moment takes practice.
For me, it‘s’ a lot easier to be present when I’m alone, and there are no distractions. But how many moments in our day do we have that luxury? The kids are calling for our attention. Errands have to be run. Outside stimuli are ever-present, and it is very hard to tune them out. However, it is possible with the right strategies.

There are many books, audio, and videos to help you. The strategies that I use may be included in a number of them. Sometimes we need to hear it differently or just try things we heard about but never get the chance to do. My advice in whatever you try is don’t give up when the mind rejects new practices.

Practicing mindfulness is like any other habit. It takes lots of time to make it stick. We used to think that after a few weeks, the habit is all set. It turns out that the 21-day habit formation formula is just a myth. Researchers found it took about 2 months, 66 days to be exact. You will reap the benefits as you practice staying in the moment, even if it doesn’t seem so initially.

Strategies for staying in the moment

1) Using the breath

Focusing on your breathing helps you relax and calms the mind. Deep diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which sends calming messages throughout our bodies and lowers heart rate or blood pressure to calm down any anxious feelings we may be experiencing!

Mindful breathing is a simple and powerful way to promote mindfulness. The idea behind the practice, as with all things in life worth having or doing well at least once, is simply this: focus on your inhalations and exhalations while paying attention to their natural rhythm; namely, how they feel when you take each breath deeper into yourself than usual then exhale out again through pursed lips (or whatever form suits).

Mindful breathing
1) Start by breathing in and out slowly. Closing your eyes is optional.
2) One breath cycle should last for approximately 6 seconds.
3) Breathe through your nose and out through your mouth, letting your breath flow effortlessly in and out of your body.
4) Let go of your thoughts the best you can. Repeat as needed or desired.

Box or square breathing

Box breathing is a deep, slower form of inhaling and exhaling that can help slow down your heart rate. It works by distracting the mind while counting to 4-the number “four” has been said in many cultures around the world to be associated with silence or peace.

As we breathe deeply through our noses using this technique, it keeps us calm, and research shows box breathing may reduce stress hormones released from our system.

Step 1: Start by breathing inward and counting to four slowly. Feel the air enter your lungs.
Step 2: Then hold your breath for 4 seconds. Try to avoid inhaling or exhaling for 4 seconds.
Step 3: Slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.
Step 4: Repeat steps 1 to 3 until you feel relaxed and centered.

 

2) Paying attention

Paying attention to the little things in life can have significant benefits. Focusing intently will make you notice that not only do we remember more details, but everything else seems to flow easier. It might seem like insignificant points at first glance — after all, they’re just ephemera from our daily journey through time, yet these small moments allow us to pause.

Paying attention (Mindful attention)is a technique for becoming aware of our thoughts and experiences. We practice being able to observe these as transient mental events. When we can do this, there is an automatic response of presence and calm.

When we pay attention, we focus on one thing in particular and ignore distractions competing for our awareness. Paying attention is essential, as it allows us to learn something new. John Kabat-Zinn calls this a beginners mind. When we pay attention, we may discover something we never noticed before.

Focused attention mindfulness

Another formal practice for paying attention is focused attention mindfulness (FAM). FAM can be a helpful tool for people who want to use meditation to relieve stress. Without a long formal practice, FAM can be done anywhere and at any time; we have a few minutes to give ourselves.

This focused style allows you to focus on one thing at a time rather than trying to eliminate distractions. This meditation style lets you focus on an object, sound, or sensation. So instead of trying to clear your mind, you are focusing your attention on something specific.

 

4) Get out into nature

Mindfulness in nature is already proven to be a fantastic experience.
I love being surrounded by fascinating natural scenery. Undoubtedly, the serene outdoors automatically puts me in a calm state.

Mindfulness in natural settings has been shown to yield positive results. The experts believe that the experience of the environment is so enlightening that it calls for soft attention. This may be one reason practicing outdoors benefits us by allowing disengagement from our busy minds and thoughts.

Put away your cell phone as you take a walk along a beautiful path. Look at the trees and be in awe of the beauty before you. While you walk outside, remember to breathe! Using your deep breathing exercises while walking in nature is two for the price of one! Any mindful exercise done out in nature can have better effectiveness.

Fun activities in nature to help present moment living

Hiking, walking, or exploring trails in your area.
Gardening without overdoing it physically!
Meditating by the water.
Take photos of the outdoors.
Collect exciting rocks, leaves, or wildflowers.
Fishing! This is not my thing, but many find this activity tranquil.

 

5) Be creative

This is my thing. As an artist and writer, I become focused and present as I create. The act of creating in itself is a way that helps me connect with my spiritual self. Writing, painting, or working on my handmade jewelry enhances my ability to go within.

There are psychological benefits to engaging in creativity. When you finish a creative task, like writing in a journal, knitting a scarf, or doodling, your brain is filled with dopamine. This is an all-natural anti-depressant that makes you feel good. Even when you sing in the shower or in the car is bound to make you smile more.

Being creative seems to put us in the moment automatically. Especially if we are enjoying the task at hand. That’s because it helps you find your flow. In this state, you’re so absorbed in an activity that you forget all the worrying thoughts lingering in your mind. It’s nearly impossible to be stressed or anxious when you’re calmly in the moment, distracted by a captivating book, pastry recipe, or art project.

 

In conclusion

We all want to be happy, but sometimes we can get so focused on what’s wrong that it becomes difficult for us. The best way I’ve found is by taking time out of my day and just appreciating the little things in life and being here and now.

 

References
Home – Eckhart Tolle | Official Site – Spiritual Teachings and Tools For Personal Growth and…
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