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Have you ever driven to work and realized, as you pulled into the office parking lot, that you didn’t recall the trip there? Have you ever gone to dinner with your loved one, only to later realize that you couldn’t remember what you talked about? In this busy world, our minds get used to multi-tasking – and this can often prevent us from being fully present.
What is presence? It’s a quality we are born with; though we seem to forget it as we become adults. It means to be (body, mind and soul) where you are and to feel it.
Think about a child. A child’s ability to be amazed and enthralled by almost anything, and the wonder of the world they are constantly expressing, is due to their quality of presence. They feel everything around them. They are not thinking about what they didn’t get done in the playground that day while they play with their new puppy. They are not making to-do lists in their minds for the next day as they unwind with their parents on a walk around the neighborhood at night.
Do you wish you could be like that child and find so much to enjoy in the world around you? You can reclaim your quality of presence. It’s only a matter of being aware and retraining your brain through a bit of practice.
A Simple Beginner Exercise
Before you get out of bed in the morning, focus your mind on your arms and legs. Start with one of your feet. Concentrate on feeling the blankets against your toes, your ankles, your calves and so on. Move on to your hand, from fingers to wrist to elbow to shoulder.
As you go through your day, whenever you remember, reconnect with your arms and legs again, just for a few seconds. This will bring your mind back to the present.
When you are in the present, nothing is missing. You can completely enjoy where you are at and who you are with. Your mind is not rushed or crowded. You can be at peace.
Further Resources
Breathing can also help you become more fully present. Visit this website for an article on proper breathing: www.positivityblog.com/index.php/2007/03/09/here-is-a-quick-way-to-better-breathing
Being present is connected to awakening your mind. Check out these tips on Oprah’s website to help you do just that: www.oprah.com/article/oprahsbookclub/anewearth/
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