Being in the Moment is Important
What if I was to say to you that the only moment you have is ‘right now’. Would you look at me puzzled and think that I have finally lost it. Or would you pause for a moment… and then say ‘yes’ that is true.
I was zoom-chatting the other day with my good friend living in BC and we were discussing the practice of ‘living in the moment’. It seems like a simple notion or even a cliché, but there is more to it than I thought.
We have hundreds of moments through-out our day, some routine, some boring and some that grab our attention, that we thoroughly enjoy. What I am trying to do is appreciate all of these moments more. My simple daily routine is what makes up my life and grounds me when the going gets tough. Sure, it is great to tweak things and be the best that I can be as I age, but it is also important to appreciate these smaller routine things and realize how lucky I am now.
I am in fairly good health, in a loving and supporting relationship and doing interesting work, so I want to recognize that and be there fully.
Life can change so quickly so practicing daily gratitude and being in the moment to enjoy what I have is important.
Life unfolds in the present. But so often, we let the present slip away, allowing time to rush past unobserved and unseized, and squandering the precious seconds of our lives as we worry about the future and ruminate about what’s past.[1]
Being More in the Moment
Focus Your Attention
When learning how to live in the moment, it is helpful to focus your attention on one thing at a time. If you’re working on something, give it all of your attention. When you find yourself thinking about other things or checking your phone because you don’t feel like doing the task at hand, stop and turn the focus back to what’s in front of you.[2]
Practice Acceptance
If you want to learn how to be more present, let go of how you think things should be and accept them for what they are. Focus on accepting things as they are and not on how you want them to be.[3]
I would also add, let more things go instead of holding onto past hurts or grievances. Sometimes this is easier said than done. But start with the small things that have been bothering you or take action and ask for clarification.
The action step is hard, as I am often taken off-guard by some of insults that have come my way and it is only afterwards that I think to myself ‘why was that said?’ But a lot of these negative comments are not necessarily about you. It is the baggage the other person is caring around. I am trying these days to be the bigger person and not get caught up in the drama. I don’t always succeed, but I am trying.
Accepting things as they are, does not mean tolerating unhealthy behavior towards you. You still need to set boundaries. Acceptance is not appropriate in situations where your physical, emotional, or mental health are at risk. In such cases, acceptance may prevent needed changes.
Connect with Others for Social Support
In September, I reconnected with friends from university and others living in Calgary and this socializing really helped boost my energy levels. The researchers say:
“Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people increases your own positivity and happiness levels. This will allow you to focus on what is going well right now instead of dwelling on past or future events.”[4]
‘A’ and I are making an effort to connect more with friends as we value these relationships. And besides it is good fun to laugh and share experiences!
Next week we are flying out to Victoria, BC to visit our niece and nephew on the island and a mentor, who is in poor health on Salt Spring Island. It is time well spent to show our appreciation for people currently in our life and those that made an impact previously (A’s mentor).
Lastly, treat yourself well and do something you enjoy each and every day.
Don’t Wait, Do It Now!
Use the good china, buy the cut flowers for yourself or book that massage. (That’s a message to myself, 😉!)
As always, live well, and take care,
[1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200811/the-art-now-six-steps-living-in-the-moment
[2] https://www.verywellmind.com/how-do-you-live-in-the-present-5204439
[3] Op Cit.
[4] Ibid