3 simple ways to BE In the moment !

In my earlier post , I wrote about what being present really means.

To recap , it consists of two important steps;

1) To be completely in the moment

2) To be flexible enough to handle the unexpected.

There are many exercises available for being completely in the moment. I found that sometimes , I was either too busy or too preoccupied to sit down and attempt any of them. So, here are three simple ways to practice being completely in the moment in the course of your normal day.

1) Be completely in the moment in your relationships :

The next time, your child, spouse, parent friend , boss or colleague is talking to you. Put everything away , especially your phone. Make eye contact with them , and listen to each word, observe the body language and give them the gift of listening unconditionally. Each time you get distracted with your own thoughts , bring yourself back to the words, the face of your loved one. 

Don't worry about what what you are going to respond to them . 

Each time you do this with your relationships , you will find that you will grow richer, and your relationships deeper. 

2)Take a minute to smell the roses :

 

Nature has a wonderful way of bringing us completely in the moment. There are ample opportunities that we get to look at and marvel at nature. It could be a tree in your backyard , or looking at the sky from your balcony or gazing at the stars.

At any moment in the day, whereve you are , take a look around. Can you see the deep blue sky, or a plant or a tree? You could be in a cab or your car or in a restaurant and even at work. Take a long hard look at nature, observe the colour, think about how it makes you feel. 

It could be for a few seconds or even a few minutes. 

The simple act of observing brings you back to the present moment , and helps you stay completely in that moment. Oh! And it's a great de-stressor too!

3) Breathe!!!!!

Yes , I know. Your yoga teacher has told you this a million times.

We often forget to focus on our breath especially when we are stressed. 

We are juggling million things in our hands and to top it all we are holding our breath. 

Every once in a while , just breathe consciously. It may be a shallow breath or it may be a deep one. It doesn't matter. Just breathe. It may be the wrong way or the right way. Just breath.

It's the simplest way to bring yourself back and completely in the moment. And you can go back to what you were doing with renewed focus. 

There is no magic formula . Do this X times a day or at a particular time. Do it whenever you can. What's important is you try it. 

In my next post, we will talk about how to be flexible to handle the unexpected. This is an important part to being completely present .

Till then, maintain eye contact , stop and smell the roses , and breathe !!!

Stay present ! Stay flexible !