Living in the present is not an unfamiliar piece of advice. Every now and then, we read or hear about embracing the present. From philosophers and mentors to authors and motivational speakers, many emphasise the importance of now. In his book, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, author Echart Tolle writes, “Realise deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the now the primary focus of your life.”
Despite the importance and attention, it has received, living in the present is still a mystery to many. Why? Because we don’t treat life as a ‘park bench’ where we can sit in peace and quiet and just enjoy the view. Instead, we see life as a ‘racing track’, where we either chase our responsibilities and dreams or run away from our past demons. Like a hamster in a wheel, we bolt, often aimlessly, that we forget about the present completely.
Living in the present is not about escaping from your past or future. It is about making peace with what has happened and being optimistic about what will happen, while you savour what is happening. Let’s take a closer look at how to live in the present and enjoy life and its gifts.
Enjoy the today
Even if yesterday was unpleasant and tomorrow remains a riddle, don’t forget to enjoy today. If your thoughts began to wander in either direction, make a conscious effort to think only about the now. It can be difficult to do at first, but with persistence, it can become a habit. Ask yourself if worrying about tomorrow will help you in anyway. The best you can do is prepare for what’s to come next. Beyond this, things are out of your control. So why sweat over something that hasn’t happened yet when you can do something today that brings you joy?
Pay attention to the small things
When life runs on autopilot, we forget to pause and pay attention to the little things that are key to happiness and inner peace. We remain tied to our smartphones, stressed over our past mistakes or worry about next week’s meeting—all of which keep our thoughts in handcuffs and leg irons. Free yourself from the shackles of the past and the future and enjoy the present by being more aware and mindful. Taste your food, listen to the birds chirping, say thank you to a stranger who held the door for you, and feel the cold breeze falling on your face. Such moments come every day. It’s up to us whether we live them or lose them.
Practice gratitude
Being grateful for what you have can make you appreciate the present, instead of worrying about tomorrow. It keeps you humble and sane in this fast-moving world. So every time stress threatens to overpower you, count your blessings. Ask yourself what you are thankful for in life? It can be anything from having a job and a house to be with your fur-baby and your family. When you practice gratitude, the fear of the past and the future loses its power over you, as you remain content and happy in the present.
To embrace the present and enjoy life, start by paying attention to the small things around you. Engage in activities you love, practice gratitude for what you have, and let go of past regrets.
Engage in activities mindfully by giving them your full attention. Set aside time for mindfulness meditation to connect with your breath and sensations. As thoughts arise, acknowledge them without judgment and gently guide your attention back to the present moment.
Letting go of the past involves acknowledging your feelings and experiences without dwelling on them. Practice forgiveness, both for yourself and others, to release emotional burdens. Shift your focus to your current experiences, set new goals, and invest your energy in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment.
Keeping a journal focused on living in the moment encourages you to reflect on your daily experiences and emotions. This practice helps you become more aware of the positive aspects of your life, fostering a mindset of appreciation for the present.
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