No matter how much we plan, prepare, and anticipate, there are just some situations that are out of our control. The truth is we don’t have control over what happens to us all the time. Life is going to come at us unexpectedly sometimes. The way we deal with the unpredictabilities of life can mean the difference between living a life of fear, worry, and anxiousness or living a life of resilience, adaptability, and peace. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned about dealing with adversity is that your response is everything. While you can’t change the past or predict the future, you can choose to make a different decision in the present moment. In this article, I will talk about the importance of living in the present and practical ways to practice being present daily.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PRESENT?
Healthline describes being present as “being fully engaged in the here and the now, not distracted or mentally absent.”
WHY IS BEING PRESENT IMPORTANT?
Being present is important because the world is constantly surrounded by noise. Taking time away from distractions to focus on yourself is essential if you want to continue functioning at your best. We have thousands of thoughts in our minds every day. Our thoughts can get incredibly overwhelming if we don’t take time to process them from time to time. When we can slow down, breathe and process the world around us, we live happier and healthier lives.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT BEING PRESENT
When we don’t take time to stop and process the world around us and also process what is going on with us internally, the consequences can be dangerous. Spending time in the present can help reduce stress, anxiousness, and worry. When we don’t intentionally spend time in the present, we are more likely to dwell on the past or be anxious about the future. Spending time in the present allows you to focus on what you can control in real-time. When you are focused on what you can control, you are less likely to dwell on the past or be anxious about the future. Instead, you learn to be at peace with the past and look toward a brighter future.
THREE WAYS TO PRACTICE BEING IN THE PRESENT
GRATITUDE
Spending a moment to reflect on what you are grateful for is is a great way to practice spending time in the present. There are so many moments that happen in one day. We tend to overlook many of them, but gratitude allows you to remember and appreciate those overlooked moments. Gratitude reminds you to be grateful for what you already have. When you are grateful for what you have, you tend to worry less about what you don’t have.
REFLECTION
Reflecting on a positive experience or your overall day is another way to be more present. Your thoughts are powerful; they drive your actions. Taking time to reflect on something positive can significantly impact your day. Reflection also increases your awareness and allows you to see what needs improvement. When you take time to reflect on the present moment, you can change the future for the better.
STILLNESS
Stillness is essential for mental and emotional wellbeing. Similar to being in the present, it allows you to connect with your thoughts and emotions while quieting the world around you. Spending time in stillness can positively impact all areas of your life. There are many different ways to practice stillness every day.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Life is full of surprises. With so many problems to worry about in our daily lives, finding time to be present is challenging. However, there are several benefits to practicing this skill. Being present can positively affect how you handle problems and unexpected situations. Learning to deal with unexpected events in healthy ways will make you happier and more productive.
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