What happens when you get out of your head and into your body
Are you happy? Not really. Do you think you can be happier? Don’t know. Would you like to be happier? Yes!
If this sounds like you, you might want to observe the default narrative in your mind. Take notice, do you have a habit of re-living the past or worrying about future events? We all do as humans, but we have the ability to choose how often we do this. Change this little habit, and experience the difference in your day-to-day life. Our natural tendency is to dwell on the past (can breed regret, loss and shame) or focus on the future (can breed worry and anxiety). This way of existing can create a downward spiral if we are not careful because we do not have control over events in our past or future. It is impossible to affect or improve the outcome, but we can’t help but run the scenario over and over in our heads. This makes us feel trapped, helpless and unable to change our circumstances.
When we are living in past and the future, we’re also missing the experience of what’s right in front of us. How do you know you’re doing it? You will notice that the “chatter” in your head is non-stop. This “noise” clouds our judgement and shapes how we experience the world.
So, what do we do? We practice being present. Living in the moment allows us to take control of our lives and appreciate the beauty and blessings we have right in front of us. Many schools of thought believe this is the secret to happiness.
You don’t need to be a yogi or meditate daily to achieve a state of presence.
Here are 6 easy techniques to get you out of your head and into your body and heart almost immediately:
- Take a hike — yes, literally. Enjoy nature — whatever is available to you. Fresh air and the wind, the open sky and clouds, trees and grass, sand and water, rocks and mud, flowers and weeds.
- Get down — listen to music that makes you feeel goood — move your body while you’re at it.
- Move your body — if dancing’s not your thing, go swimming, do yoga, play sports.
- Pet an animal — our furry friends perfect the skill of living in the moment. When was the last time you saw a kitty worry about what’s for dinner next week?
- Create something — anything that you enjoy… draw, cook, bake, write, sing, organize, design, code, construct, paint, plant, arrange…etc.
- Take a bath — add epsom salt to draw out toxins and aroma therapy to engage your senses.
Have other tips for practicing being present? Share your comments below!
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Originally published at www.mybreathingmind.com.
Originally published at medium.com