Article by Judy Mosley

Being Present.

It’s a phrase that has become quite popular in the last few years. But how does someone really become present? What does it take to be in the moment? What is it that can keep us from being in this state? Learning to be present can be difficult but it is certainly attainable.

Here are some ways I have found that can help us to be present in our own lives:

Practice Being Quiet

Take five minutes out of your day and turn off whatever might be a distraction: a cell phone, home phone, music, or anything else that could easily distract you.  Step outside or find a quiet space in your house.  Sit and listen.  Let your thoughts drift without paying attention to them.  How does this make you feel?  Try to disconnect from the outside noises and connect with what’s going on inside of yourself. 

Listen

When you are having a discussion with someone, try to connect with them alone.  Listen to their words and try not to attach any thoughts of your own to what they are saying.  If you find yourself drifting and beginning to think about what will happen later in the day, bring yourself back to the moment and to the person that you are spending time with.

Do One Thing at a Time

Multitasking is a great enemy of the present moment.  Doing more than one thing at a time can make you feel like you are getting a lot done, but it can also keep you from giving your absolute best to what you are attending to.  Try to do one thing a day and do it really well, without adding another activity to it.  Notice how you feel and what comes from that experience.

Watch the Effects of Your Actions

Many times, we can become so focused on what is going on internally, that we don’t see the effects that our actions or words have on other people.  When you’re in a discussion, for instance, try to step outside of how you feel, and watch how the other person is reacting.  Look at their eyes.  Try to find out how they really feel.  When we learn to see what’s going on with someone else, often, we can find a solution or connect in a more effective way.

Try learning to be present.

The benefits of doing this are beyond measure.  Truly.  You might see your life change in lots of ways.  Or you might just notice some things that you haven’t before.  Take advantage of this moment and enjoy what is happening right now.  It will always be worth your time.

“The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen.  Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention …  A loving silence often has far more power to heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words.”

-Rachel Naomi Remen

“Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry — all forms of fear — are cause by too much future, and not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of nonforgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence.”

-Eckhart Tolle

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