Have you ever felt like a whole month just completely passed you by and you hardly remember even being there? Or maybe you've been wanting to achieve something for a long time but you always seem to procrastinate and never get it done. If this sounds familiar, then you, my friend, need to harness the power of the present moment (1). Here's 4 steps to help you do that:
1. Focus on your breath
The breath is the simplest and most powerful way to stay present in every moment because the breath is always present! We can't breathe into the future or the past. There is always only one breath and it's happening right now.
By focusing your attention on your breath every day, you help your mind slow down and catch up with the present (2). Then you start to notice your surroundings and time seems to slow down. At that moment, the world is your oyster and you have full capacity to take action and create the life you want.
2. Let go of the past
So much of our time and energy is wasted on analyzing, re-living, or reminiscing the past. But it's over and done with, and we give our power away every time we step out of the present moment and attempt to resolve the past.
You might be in the middle of a meeting or important activity, but half of you is still on last week and the argument you had. This robs you of enjoying your life in the only moment that matters: this one.
Even if you wish you could change things from the past, you can't. And the only thing you can change is how you're living right now. So let the past go and step fully into your power in this very moment. Live the life you want to live TODAY. (Try this meditation exercise to help you clear away past memories and emotions!)
3. Set your goal and let it go
If we aren't avoiding the present moment by ruminating about the past, then we're surely obsessing over the future, thinking that this will help it come faster.
While we can't predict the future, it is beneficial to set an intention or a goal. But the key here is to set the goal, then let it go. Don't hold on too tightly to the way everything plays out. Keep your energy in the present moment and trust that the process is unfolding according to plan.
Let's say that you're at point A and you want to get to point Z, but you have no idea what the hell points B-Y are. You don't need to! The only way to live into point Z is to be where you are right now. When you try to control and plan out every step along the way, you often get in the way of your own progress. You gotta go with the flow.
So set your goal, set your sights softly on that Z point, and keep all your energy here in the present moment so that you can effectively live out every single step along the way.
4. Remember to enjoy the journey
We often get so caught up with achieving something or becoming someone that we forget to enjoy the journey. And truthfully, the journey is the entire point! (3)
When you finally make it to your goal, if you do, you come to find out that you now want something else, and the journey continues to unfold. You never really reach a final point where you've done it all and you feel complete. There are just endless present moments to enjoy, unfolding infinitely.
So take the time to pause throughout your day, take a deep breath, let go of the past, set your sights on a possible goal, then take your time walking every single step of the journey that lies ahead of you.
(Check this out next: 7 Benefits of Meditation for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit)
I live these suggestions. I have high anxiety and my thoughts get away from me very quickly at times, how can I learn to.identify the need to.take.a.breath prior to losing control? Sometimes I wake up already anxious and have a very difficult time even meditating.
Great article. I have a hard time letting the past go, as it still hurts…
I have done everything in my power to let go of the past ,but it seems no matter how hard I try it is still there ..How do I learn to let go and love myself???
I am present: a past moment that left me feeling powerless or afraid:- I was afraid of ending a toxic relationship, i felt powerless as i was abused and put down, I was afraid what would happen and where would things go if I did end it. I was also agraid of being lonely.
How can i let go of that limiting past experience based on what i know now: now im understanding my self worth, knowing what i deserve and knowing what i want. I find it easier to let go and look forward. I know that i am a strong woman.
To stay present I will be focusing on myself and to help focusing on my health i will meditate and do things that i want to do and that make me happy.
I’m 63….stress the norm, but will try to teach this old dog new tricks……deep breath…thanks for trying to make a difference.
Fantastic tips and insights! As a long-time oneness student & meditator, I am so grateful for something so simple as breath and one-pointed focus to align me with the Presence and Love in me. This puts my feet back on the path of inspiration and peace, every day.
I see you live in Cali. What are the chances you’d come to Maine to share your gifts with a small group of yogi enthusiasts? We are having our first Yoga Fest in Sept. when I say small I mean small. Look up Machias Maine.
Staying in the moment, I was a nurse’s aide,every moment counted,so I have always worn a watch, probably I don’t realize how many times a day I would look at it,had a watch since I was old enough to tell time.It is a habit.I am asking myself why it matters still when I am unemployed at the present time.So staying in the moment I think will be hard for me.Any thoughts.Marty
Great information. I struggle with letting go of the past.
I love the idea of focusing on my breathe throughout the day because sometimes you can be such in a daze that you don’t even realize your breathing ha you just know you are if you are alive and never really pay it much attention but now I have something to focus on thank you !