8 Easy Tricks to Be More Present

8 Easy Tricks to Be More Present
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I've spent just enough time living in the present to know that Deepak Chopra speaks the truth when he says:

Life gives you plenty of time to do whatever you want to do
if you stay in the present moment.

But knowing something and doing it are not the same, are they? My motivation for improving this skill is that life is short and getting shorter every day. I want to stop wasting time in meaningless activity -- or thinking and acting in ways that aren't positive or helpful. Perfect? No, just making more progress than I am at the moment.

This ever happen to you?

I'm sitting at my computer, all revved up and ready to dive into something that matters. I get started, but before I know it I've darted over to the browser to check a fact or to take just a sec to see how many Like's last night's post has received. You know, just a minute and I'll get right back on it. But somehow in the blink of an eye I'm reading the news, or watching a (really short) video, or checking my email to see if anything urgent has come in.

Living in the present is difficult, but the more I have the experience, the easier it gets. So here are some easy tricks you can use to practice spending time in this moment.

  1. Write more slowly. It doesn't matter if it's a grocery list or an envelope. A while ago I noticed that my handwriting was starting to look like an old lady's, so I tried this technique. The only way to make it work is to clear your mind so that you are aware of each letter as you write it.

  • Look up at the sky. Whether it's out the window at home, through the windscreen when you're at a red light, or when you're walking down the street -- just gaze up, be aware of the vast presence, and leave the little stuff down here for a bit.
  • Send a thank-you note. Choose someone who's helped you. I'm not talking about dashing off a quick email after a dinner party, but connecting with someone who has made an impact on your life. Say everything in your heart so this person knows the difference he or she has made. It's impossible to do this without being present, plus the same will happen for the recipient when they receive it.
  • Meditate quietly for at least 10 minutes. It can be on a park bench, your desk chair, or your cushion -- wherever you can sit tall, breathe deeply, let your gaze soften, and your thoughts slowly quiet down. Don't judge what happens; just do your best to be present to whatever experience you're having.
  • Call someone you care about. Choose a time you think they'll have time to talk or leave a voicemail that lets them know you're thinking about them. The point is to ask how they're feeling -- how are things going for you? If you get them in person, they may deflect with a "just fine." If so, ask them again until they know you're really interested.
  • Do a simple task. It can be emptying the dishwasher, cleaning out your pencil drawer, making the bed, folding clothes, or straightening a pile of magazines -- whatever occurs to you. While you're doing this task, do the task. Pay attention to what you're doing rather than letting your thoughts wander. If they do, just bring them back to what's in front of you right now.
  • Speak to your pet or a child. Talk to them quietly, letting them know how you appreciate them, and showing you care while touching them in a gentle and comforting way.
  • Listen to classical music. Get comfortable and close your eyes while really listening to the sound. Let the music in and allow it to lift your heart into this precious moment. As I'm writing, I've been listening to Mozart piano sonatas, and they've made this experience a joyous one.
  • In the moments when we're present, our fears disappear, and we know without a doubt who we are -- and what we care about most. From this list of tricks choose just one you like and do it. Please give yourself this gift as often as you can.

    Being fully present in every moment is the greatest meditation I have found. It's a prayer of praise to appreciate the now -- and the best way I know
    to create a sense of well-being.

    -- Oprah Winfrey, May 2015

    I invite you to share your experiences with living in the present. Either leave a comment on this page or contact me directly jinny@bestyearyet.com.

    For more by Jinny Ditzler, click here.
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