Being present and raising your awareness allows you to see and be part of life in a much deeper way
The first step to being present is to stop, take a deep breath in and have no agenda.
Don’t think about what happened yesterday, last week, last month, or what you’ve got to do tomorrow, next week or your to-do list today. Drop all of that and just be.
Focus on this very moment.
Breath in life.
Be Mindful
Practicing mindfulness really helps you learn to observe your thoughts and feelings –> without judgment or holding on them. You learn to accept things as they are and let go of any regrets or expectations.
It helps you stay present.
Meditation can be a great way to increase your mindfulness and although it may seem hard at first, if you persevere and are consistent, it will be worth it.
You can even start with a meditation of a minute or two and work your way up from there.
Raise Your Awareness
Make it a practice to observe your surroundings whenever you’re somewhere new. This will become so much more natural the more you do it.
When you are aware of your surroundings, you’re able to notice details that others may miss and see the world from different perspectives. By observing your environment, you can also gain insight into yourself and others.
See how much you can observe today as you go about your day!
Being present is ultimately about connection
Be Present With Animals
Animals are amazing creatures. They are intelligent, social, loving, loyal and have an array of emotions and feelings, just like you and I.
They are also fantastic at living life in the present moment! They observe, react and do what ever they are called to do as it occurs! Being around them can help us do the same!
Animals help bring your attention to the present moment in a natural way as you intuitively focus your full attention on that animal as you stroke, chat or play. You are fully present in that interaction.
We are after all connected. Many of us happily share our lives with other living beings and deeply value that bond.
Be present with family
Family time is one of the best things in life. There is nothing better than spending quality time with your loved ones.
However, sometimes life can pass us by too quickly and we can find work commitments, school activities and other responsibilities leads to less time spent together as a family.
So, what can you do to set about time to be fully present with your family? Here are some tips:
Plan ahead
Planning ahead ensures that you have enough time to spend with your family. Make sure that you plan your day well in advance and stick to it. This helps you to allocate sufficient time for yourself and your family.
Be flexible
Be flexible with your schedule. Don’t feel guilty about taking time off from work. Rest and free time is just as important for your wellbeing (and your family’s) as the hours you put in at work.
It can be for as long or short as you are able – quality over quantity as they say, but when you do so – make sure you are fully present, turn off any distractions! Ditch the screen! (just for a bit) 😉
Take advantage of the opportunities that arise. This will help you to balance your work and personal life.
Have fun!
Do something that you enjoy doing, or even something you’ve never tried before! Don’t overthink it, see what your intuition suggests! Each family member could pick something to do – and then go for it, even if some suggestions “seem” silly! What’s stopping you?
Maybe you like to spend time with your kids playing board games, watching movies, cooking delicious meals, picnics in the park, day trips out. What ever calls to you —> do that!
Have fun, laugh together, connect and feel the lightness within you as you do so (it’s a great stress reliever!) You will create the best memories for you all to reminisce on!
Be present in nature
Nature is very much a part of us, it is where we belong. We were designed to live in harmony with nature
When we spend time in nature, our bodies release endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. These chemicals help us feel happy, calm, relaxed, and connected to others. They also help us sleep better at night.
Connecting to Nature
Nature provides us with many benefits. Not only does it heal and ground us, but we can learn so much from nature whilst enjoying its vast beauty.
There are many ways to connect to nature. Here are some tips:
- Get outside! Yup, it helps!
- Watch birds and wildlife in their natural habitat
- Visit parks and forests
- Learn to identify the different trees and plants
- Learn to identify the different birds and bird song
- Read books about nature
- Listen to the sounds of nature, like the sea, a waterfall, stream, birds chirping etc (you could even record them so you can listen another time)
- Do some gardening or join a community garden
- Grow your own herbs
- Eat healthy, fresh, sun ripened foods
- Be mindful of your surroundings, use all your senses
- Volunteer at a local nature reserve or forest
- Create a nature Journal
- Make pictures out in nature with fallen twigs, leaves, petals (don’t pick fresh!)
- Photograph beautiful landscapes, plants, wildlife
Could you be more present in any areas of your life? What helps you stay present? Let me know in the comments.