To live in the moment is to be conscious, aware and in the present with all of our senses. It requires concentrating on the task at hand without dwelling on the past and worrying about the future. The principle of living in the moment, which derives from yoga philosophy, can and will change our lives for the better. It helps relieve stress and anxiety about the past and future. All we have is the present, so cherish it and live it fully. I know it sounds easier said than done, but here are some ways to achieve it and be “carpe diemists,” people who seize the day.
Leave the Past in the Past and Don’t Dwell on the Future
We can’t go back to the past, turn the clocks back and make everything right. We also can’t go back to a time when we felt everything was wonderful. The more we dwell on negative thoughts from the past, the more negative we become. Stop these thoughts that don’t belong in the present. We must believe more in ourselves and believe that things will get better. The more positive we feel in the present, the more positive our futures will become. Of course we need to take time to make plans and goals for the future and look forward to upcoming events, but don’t dwell there. Return to reality and the present moment, and remember to smile, knowing that each day is filled with endless possibilities.
Remove Unneeded Clutter
By removing unneeded items associated with past memories, we are freed from living in the past and able to live in the present moment. Minimalism allows us to live in the present. Declutter!
Love Your Job
If we just “survive” the workweek, hating our jobs and constantly waiting for the next weekend to arrive, we are wasting huge portions of your lives. We need to either find new jobs that we actually enjoy, or try to find things that we appreciate about our current jobs and focus on them.
Forgive Past Hurts
When we harbor resentment towards other human beings because of past hurts, we are stuck in the past. Choose to forgive and move on, not allowing it to impact our moods today. Let them go and be present in the moment instead.
Fully Appreciate the Current Moment
We’ve all heard the phrase “Stop and smell the roses.” It is important to soak in as much of the current moment as we possibly can – the sights, the sounds, the smells and the emotions. These are all part of our daily lives but we often forget to stop and take them in and truly appreciate them. If we are constantly on our cellphones and other devices, we are unable to experience what is going on around us. Put the devices down and focus on what we are doing right now. Be present with your children, spouses and friends; truly enjoy them in the moment. From this day forward, endeavor to live just one day at a time; it’s that simple. As Mother Teresa said, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”