I am sure you have heard this before, “You should be in the moment”. What does that really mean in practical terms? And if you are not in the moment, what can you do about it? Have you ever been caught up in anything, and before you knew it it’s hours later? This meant that you were in the moment and not caught up in thoughts about the past or future. Our minds are designed to think, it’s for the average person important not to get caught up in them. Being in the moment goes way beyond what I discuss here, but I think it is a good start for most people.
If you struggle with life, it is likely that you are not in the moment. Your thoughts wonder into the worry-land of past and future. It can make you feel depressed, anxious or give you other potential negative emotions. Sometimes it is positive, but still not beneficial to the current moment. Children and pets have it down to a tee as well, it comes natural to them. They are focused on the task at hand.
What can you do about it?
The most important part is to become aware of yourself and your thoughts. Most of us are fully trained to feel emotions about the past and worry about the future (including watching movies which aren’t even real). It is important to catch yourself, especially when you wonder into the darker corners of your mind.
Take your metabolism; it is always in the moment and can serve as a good reminder (you can’t digest right now something you ate last week, nor what you are going to eat tonight) and so is your breath. When you catch yourself being worried about an unsure future, whether it’s about your health, financial situation or a relationship, it doesn’t matter, bring yourself into the ‘now’. Just be, even if it is for a moment when you start out. The past is the past and the future is not yet.
Many spiritual teachers have written about this too. Watch your thoughts at any time of the day. Sometimes it will be easier then others, but at least try. Osho has some great teachings out there, if you want to learn more or go deeper with this.
Find what works best for you, and find below a few exercises… ’cause you are physically always in the now.
- Breathe! Focus consciously on your breathing. Take at least 5 deep breaths.
- Shift your focus: Think about what you are doing right now, and keep your focus on the task at hand (i.e. “I am washing these dishes, they are really getting nice and clean”) Talk out loud through it if you prefer.
- Just be: Past or future – “It always is what it is”. You decide to make it good or bad.
BEING IN THE MOMENT
I am sure you have heard this before, “You should be in the moment”. What does that really mean in practical terms? And if you are not in the moment, what can you do about it? Have you ever been caught up in anything, and before you knew it it’s hours later? This meant that you were in the moment and not caught up in thoughts about the past or future. Our minds are designed to think, it’s for the average person important not to get caught up in them. Being in the moment goes way beyond what I discuss here, but I think it is a good start for most people.
If you struggle with life, it is likely that you are not in the moment. Your thoughts wonder into the worry-land of past and future. It can make you feel depressed, anxious or give you other potential negative emotions. Sometimes it is positive, but still not beneficial to the current moment. Children and pets have it down to a tee as well, it comes natural to them. They are focused on the task at hand.
What can you do about it?
The most important part is to become aware of yourself and your thoughts. Most of us are fully trained to feel emotions about the past and worry about the future (including watching movies which aren’t even real). It is important to catch yourself, especially when you wonder into the darker corners of your mind.
Take your metabolism; it is always in the moment and can serve as a good reminder (you can’t digest right now something you ate last week, nor what you are going to eat tonight) and so is your breath. When you catch yourself being worried about an unsure future, whether it’s about your health, financial situation or a relationship, it doesn’t matter, bring yourself into the ‘now’. Just be, even if it is for a moment when you start out. The past is the past and the future is not yet.
Many spiritual teachers have written about this too. Watch your thoughts at any time of the day. Sometimes it will be easier then others, but at least try. Osho has some great teachings out there, if you want to learn more or go deeper with this.
Find what works best for you, and find below a few exercises… ’cause you are physically always in the now.
Breathe! Focus consciously on your breathing. Take at least 5 deep breaths.
Shift your focus: Think about what you are doing right now, and keep your focus on the task at hand (i.e. “I am washing these dishes, they are really getting nice and clean”) Talk out loud through it if you prefer.
Just be: Past or future – “It always is what it is”. You decide to make it good or bad.
Contribution by Norja Vanderelst, Usui/Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher
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