Stop And Smell the Roses: Be Present Now

As the lazy days of summer are winding down, most of us are gearing up for fall and the return of regular schedules and commitments. As we prepare for this busier season, it’s important to pause, reflect, and Be Present. Practice savoring every moment to make the most of everything – big and small – that life has to offer.

Warmly,

Melanie Ott

Inspirational Thought

“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” Mother Theresa

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” Buddha

Stop And Smell the Roses: Be Present Now

Slow Down

Life is fast, and getting faster. Gandhi once said, “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” I’d bet that if I asked you to list five words to describe your life, at least one of them would be a word like “hectic,” “rushed,” “busy,” or “jam-packed.” We’re tied to our phones and computers, which inundate us with messages and information at warp speed. This speed can be good: it makes us more connected and efficient. But the downfall is that our attention
is constantly being pulled to the next moment, leaving us no time to savor this one.

Put Down Your Planner

I talk about planning a lot, both in my newsletter and in my coaching sessions, from creating a vision to how to pursue happiness. Setting goals and creating plans is important – it’s the most effective way to move intentionally into the future. That said, I find I can get so caught up focusing on the future that I allow it to sap my enjoyment of the present. Don’t allow life to pass you by. Do look, plan, and move forward – but spend equal time pausing to reflect on and embrace the moment you’re in right now. Being fully present allows you to experience the joy and wonder of life as you live it.

Stop. Savor. Breathe.

The first step to being present is to stop. Stop what you’re doing. Stop what you’re thinking. Allow all of life’s distractions to fade into the background. Let what you’re feeling in this moment — not what you felt in the last moment, or what you’re anticipating feeling in the next — wash over you. Savor the experience. Whenever you feel anxious about the future or a past even, just breathe. You’ll be amazed at how focusing on each intake and exhale can help ground you in the present moment.

Self Care, Surviving & Thriving, and Being Present

In the past few newsletters, I’ve talked about personal well-being, including how to practice self care and how to thrive. Learning to be mindful in the moment encourages us to reflect on what’s most important, what you are doing, feeling, and what needs attention in our body, mind and spirit. Pausing to be fully present provides us the benefit of perspective which to help us make purposeful choices and actions.

Tips to Be Present

Staying present in the moment is easier said than done. Here are some practical tips to help you pause and learn to savor each moment.

Practice being. Most of us live in a “doing” mode. We create long ”to-do” lists and run around trying to get it all done. Counterbalance your doing with periods that are not action-oriented, non-evaluative, and neither future nor past focused. When we are in a “being” mode we practice stillness and calm, accepting what is rather than fretting over what was or might be. This “being” focus has been shown to alleviate stress, boost our immune system, lower blood pressure, and reduce chronic pain.

Turn off “autopilot.” It’s easy, as we go through our daily routines, to switch into “autopilot” mode, letting our circumstances, rather than our intentions, carry us from one activity to the next. Distracted minds rob us of the joys and richness of each current experience. As you progress through your day, instead of letting your mind wander, practice being in control of your focus. You might be surprised that even the most routine elements of your life offer something new or different when you open your awareness to them. Being mindful in the moment allow us to experience life as we live it.

Quiet the noise. Whether it’s the ping of a new email, a coworker’s conversation, or the buzz of the TV – noise can be a distraction from the present moment. Commit to turning off the background noise for an hour each day as an aid in bringing your awareness back to the here and now.

Practice yoga. Mindfulness is an emphasis in yoga practice, encouraging you to “be on the mat” and truly embrace each pose, not letting your mind wander or think about what’s coming next. These habits, along with yoga’s emphasis on mindful breathing – spending time thinking about and feeling each breath as it courses through your body – can help bring your awareness inward and onto your
current experiences.

Focus on the Future …

At Leap Forward Coaching we have a process that will help you to flourish and thrive, personally and professionally. We will guide you on a purposeful path of self-care, help you pursue happiness, practice gratitude, and implement other changes that will help you move from surviving to thriving.

Complimentary Coaching Meeting

If I have piqued your curiosity about the value of coaching for you or someone you know, please contact me for a complimentary coaching meeting to explore what coaching can do for you. Explore what coaching can do for you!

© 2013, Leap Forward Coaching