How would intentionally focusing on the present moment experience help me? I already know how to focus. I can stay in the moment. I already appreciate my life. Why is this such a big deal?
Perhaps you can relate to these thoughts when you hear about being mindful. Paying attention in the present moment seems easy enough and you may wonder how it could bring about emotional relief. But do you really inhabit your present moments as fully as you can? What does that truly feel like?
We habitually experience our life moments rushing full speed ahead, as we focus on what comes after on our to-do lists, planning, worrying, and maybe regretting how certain things play out. We have no time to slow down or pause. If we did, we fear nothing would get done. Well right now, reading these words, you are invited to take a deep breath in and out, and PAUSE. Did you let yourself do that? If not, take another breath in and out and pause now. Some might say that your life depends on it!
Why is the pause important? Often because that’s when we can catch ourselves mid-sentence, mid-action, or in the midst of a stream of thoughts, emotions, body experiences. In other words, the pause lets us drop into knowing our lives AS THEY HAPPEN. Often the pause is enough for us to switch into a different way of being – mindfully noticing this moment. Another way of putting this is experiencing the present moment with kindness and curiosity.
How can being this way change things? Research suggests that when you relate to the present moment by observing events unfolding as they happen, it makes all the difference in how you live each instant of your life. The default mode is to automatically or unconsciously go through the day, barely tuning in to the messages that your body, mind and soul convey. When you start to notice more of the day’s moments with intentional curiosity, openness, and kindness for what you’re noticing, transformational shifts can occur. Mindfully noticing this moment creates improved concentration, a deeper appreciation of pleasant experience, and heightened ability to stay open to the unpleasant aspects of our lived experience. In other words, we are better able to regulate emotions, step out of habitual worrying and reactive ways of handling stress, and enhance our capacity to tolerate less comfortable emotions or body sensations.
Does this sound possible for you? Maybe you find it hard to sit still, maybe that’s when the anxiety or fear bubbles over, or you find it hard to be alone. Maybe you don’t like focusing on your breath or slowing down drives you crazy. Well, mindfulness is for you too! This is when you go easy on yourself! You aren’t the only one feeling this way. That “kindness” piece is crucial because sometimes we notice things we don’t want to see and we tune in anyway – this is a brand new way of living and deserves appreciation. Be patient with yourself through this process.
When we learn how to shift and refocus our attention, we start getting more intentional about our life! We feel better able to handle things, feel kinder towards ourselves and maybe appreciate the previously hidden joyful moments.
We all have the gift of being this way in the present moment. You can nurture this gift by stepping into daily opportunities for practice. Some days might be easier, some days might be harder, but the key is stepping into the opportunities. Creating these opportunities with deliberate intention is one way to cultivate your gifts. This means setting aside a few minutes or longer to pause or notice what you feel in your heart, mind and body.
Another way is to notice simple moments is to show up in your day with complete attention, as if for the first time. Moments such as a walk with your dog, having your favorite warm drink on a cool day or smelling the air. The five senses can be your ally in coming back to your present moment away from other distractions. Feeling your body breathe or your feet on the ground are other ways. As this feels more natural, mindfully noticing the moment can extend to noticing your thoughts and emotions without getting caught up or needing them to be a certain way. You can start being with yourself a little more than before. You may even feel like you are coming home to yourself.
Think of every moment you can shift into this way of being as another pearl on the string of your life experiences. This trajectory of awareness lengthens and shimmers as you keep practicing. The joy and peace that you can access when you live this way more of the time inspires you to keep going with the practice. As does community and connection with others trying to bring more mindfulness into their chaotic lives. Remember, this is just one day at a time, one moment at a time.
Happy practicing!
Love,
Shreyasi, Mindful Mare Founder and Lead Therapist
