Being Present isn't just some buzzword or trend – it's a mindset, a way of life.
Just being back from my amazing women's retreat in Scotland, I want to share with you the intentions/themes that came up in the group during our time together: Presence, Play, Connection and Balance. OMG I love the way the Universe worked this out!
In the next few postings, I'll be writing about each of these intentions - how they affect us and how we choose to let them influence our lives. I'll start with Presence because that is where I believe, all intentions must begin.
First, being Present isn't just some buzzword or trend – it's a mindset, a way of life, and it can make all the difference in how we experience every moment. But let's be real – it's not always easy. Minds love to wander, and the busyness of life can easily pull us away from the present moment. That's why I've been practicing mindfulness techniques to bring myself back whenever I catch my thoughts drifting. Taking a few deep breaths, grounding myself by feeling the sensation of my feet on the earth, or even a quick meditation – these little rituals work in helping me stay present. They can help you too.
Also being Present means putting down your phone and stepping away from the constant barrage of notifications, likes, and messages. Admittedly, I'm guilty of being glued to my screen too, but when you take a break and disconnect, it's like a breath of fresh air for your soul. You suddenly notice the world around you – the beauty in the smallest of details, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and that sometimes quirky laughter of friends.
It's about giving your full attention to the people you're with. When you're Present, you're not just physically there, but you're emotionally and mentally engaged as well. It means truly listening when someone speaks, not just waiting for your turn to talk. When you're fully Present, your energy is magnetic. People feel seen, heard, and valued when they're with you.
Think about those times when you're hanging out with a friend, but your mind keeps wandering off to other things. Or when you're at a gorgeous place, but you're so busy capturing it on your phone that you forget to truly experience it. I've been there too, and let me tell you, when you make a conscious effort to be Present, life takes on a whole new vibrancy.
Being Present is also about embracing the now and letting go of worries about the future or regrets about the past. It's recognizing that this moment, right here, right now, is all you have guaranteed. So why not make the most of it? Remember, life is a collection of Nows. So make them count.
But here's the kicker – being Present isn't about always being happy or avoiding difficult emotions. Life is filled with ups and downs, and that's okay. Being present means acknowledging those tough moments, sitting with them, and learning from them. It's about being more aware, practicing meditation, or simply taking a few deep breaths when things get overwhelming. It's finding your own rhythm and practices that help you ground yourself in the Present moment.
And here's another thing, when you're Present, you create space for gratitude. You start to appreciate the little things – a warm cup of tea, a smile from a stranger, or a quiet moment being in nature. You will truly learn to experience and enjoy the little things that bring you happiness, and give yourself the gift of being fully engaged in each experience.
Resist that urge to multitask your way through life and instead, immerse yourself in each moment, like you're dipping your toes into the wonderous ocean of Life.
