|
 Have
you ever driven home after work and when you got home,
didn’t remember how you got there. Or on a walk with a
friend who points out a beautiful flower but you didn’t
really “see” it but dismissed it and continued on with
your own thoughts. Many times the world we create in our
head by our thoughts takes up so much of our attention
that we miss out on the moment of existence. The
unfortunate thing about this situation is that the world
of our thoughts is just that, thoughts. They are focused
on things in the past or things in the future. Both of
which we really do not have any control over.
To be in the present moment is to
hear the wind ruffling the trees, feeling the sun warm
your skin, seeing the sunset in the west, feeling the
sand between your toes. It is the scent of your love who
is sitting next to you. Listening to every word your
friend is telling you and being fully present in the
moment.
Being present helps bring
awareness to your being as well. If you are working on
the computer all day, by the end of the day your neck
and back are aching. Being present during your work, you
can notice the tension building in your shoulders. With
that awareness you may choose to get up, get some water,
go outside for a breath of fresh air and stretch your
neck and back before returning to your computer. Being
present while you are eating can help with digestion and
prevention of overeating. Sit quietly at the dinner
table and take in the aroma, enjoy the different colors
of the food on your plate. With each bite, feel the
texture, taste the flavors and chew every bite. Being
present, you will be aware when your belly is starting
to fill up. Distracted by television or excessive
talking can prevent you from experiencing these moments.
Take the time to enjoy your life
by bringing a little awareness to the present moment. It
is really all that matters, at the moment. |
