Learning to be present is a challenging thing, our ability to time travel in our mind is truly remarkable! It can be a great benefit, but it also can bring us great misery. Learning to harness this incredible ability will bring us more joy, awareness, and a sense of control.
To help us practice this great skill, I want to share 5 practical ways to practice being present.
BREATH - The fastest way to bring yourself into the present moment is to pay attention to the sound and pace of your breath. So often we hold our breath or shallow breath. Deep restorative breaths, bring us racing into the present moment, and into our power to choose. Do this by taking 5 deep belly breaths. Inhale through the nose for a count of 4 and exhale for a count of 5 or 6. Focus your attention on the sound of your breath and how it feels as it flows in and out of your body. When your mind wanders (and it will at first), just bring it back without judgment or self-condemnation.
GRATITUDE - Think about something you are truly grateful for. However, I invite you to move past just thinking about that good thing, and engage your emotions, can you linger until you feel grateful and allow your body chemicals to shift you into a different mood?
SMELL - Smell is a powerful driver in our mind, when we smell something we truly enjoy, and linger to savour the scent, this is a beautiful way to truly enjoy the present moment. Keeping your favourite lip balm handy just for the scent is a great way to to this.
SOUND - Take a moment to step outside into nature. There is something so powerfully grounding being in nature and allowing the sounds to resonate. Close your eyes, drink in the sounds and notice what you hear that maybe you would miss with your eyes.
COLD EXPOSURE - When your body is exposed to cold, it can send our brain into a whirlwind. Intentionally sinking into a cold tub, controlling your breathing and noticing where your brain is at can be very revealing of where our mindset really is. This awareness is powerful and a great way to practice being in this moment.
What would you add? What strategies do you use to bring yourself out of the chaos and into calm in this present moment?
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