There can be so much fear around being present. Sitting with our thoughts and emotions can feel uncomfortable and scary for many of us. We often find ourselves preferring to stress about the future or grieving about the past than sitting with our current state of mind. Some may even use alcohol or recreational drugs to numb themselves to avoid what they may be feeling in the present moment.
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with distractions, it can be difficult to slow down and be present. We are used to living in our heads, lost in our thoughts and worries. However, when we take the time to focus on the present moment, we may realize that we feel uncomfortable. Being present can be scary because it means being honest with ourselves. We can no longer hide from our problems or pretend that everything is fine. Instead, we have to face our fears and deal with our feelings head-on. It can be challenging, but it is also liberating. When we learn to be present, we give ourselves the opportunity to truly experience life.
It is widely accepted that the ability to be present is a fundamental life skill. Simply put, being present means being fully aware of and engaged in the here and now. While it may seem like a simple concept, research has shown that the ability to be present can have a profound impact on our well-being. For example, one study found that people who are able to be fully present are more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction with their lives. Other research has shown that being present can lead to improvements in mental and physical health. For instance, people who are good at savoring positive experiences report lower levels of anxiety and depression, as well as higher levels of satisfaction with their relationships.
Furthermore, people who are able to be present are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. In light of all this research, it is clear that the ability to be present is a valuable life skill that can lead to increased happiness and well-being.
If you are looking for ways to step into the present moment, here are a few suggestions:
Take a break from technology. Let go of your phone, turn off the TV, and take a break from social media. Spend some time disconnected from the outside world and focus on your internal thoughts and feelings.
Be mindful of your surroundings. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Notice the texture of things and the way they feel in your hands. Really see the world around you for what it is.
Live in the moment. This is easier said than done, but it is important to try to focus on the here and now rather than dwelling on past events or worrying about the future. Accept things as they are and savor each moment as it comes.
Practice gratitude. Shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. Expressing gratitude has been shown to increase happiness and well-being.
If you are struggling to be present, it is important to remember that it is a skill that can be learned with practice. Start small and work your way up. The more you focus on the present moment, the easier it will become. Just like anything else in life, being present takes time and effort. But it is well worth the investment.
"Most humans are never fully present in the now, because unconsciously they believe that the next moment must be more important than this one. But then you miss your whole life, which is never not now. And that's a revelation for some people: to realize that your life is only ever now." ~ Eckhart Tolle
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