Are You Present for Your Present?

photo by fesoi

"When we can accept all of life's contradictions, when we can comfortably flow between the banks of pleasure and pain, experiencing them both while getting stuck in neither, then we are free" ~Deepak Chopra

Holiday time is filled with rushing, going from one store to the next, cooking, eating, signing holiday cards, visiting, wrapping gifts, opening gifts, etc. Especially at this time of the year we may feel that “time is slipping,” “there is not enough time in the day” and if only we could have two extra hours, we would finish everything we want to finish. Amongst all the chaos, I find that reconnecting with myself helps me feel more balanced and definitely adds to the joy of holidays.

Many of us have heard about the importance of being present and being in the “now.” What exactly does it mean? To me, it means to not leave your life by being entirely lost in what happened or didn’t happen (past) or what I need to do tomorrow, next week (future). Instead or in addition to past and future, I invite you to focus on the PRESENT---what can be more real? The past is gone, the future may never happen, so enjoy the ride (even if it’s crazy) of the present.

You may think, “it sounds good, but how do I stay focused on now?” Our minds tend to wonder off either to the past or the future, so Dr. David Simon, co-founder of the Chopra Center, believes that we need to focus on our heart. He believes that instead of trying to get to a place (Present), we need to observe and experience it. Here are few suggestions that work for me:

1. Pay attention. Throughout your day pay attention to when your mind wonders off and gets stuck and bring yourself back to what you are doing now. You will be able to notice why you do it: are you bored? Are you upset? Are you overwhelmed? You will get a lot more clarity on why your mind is restless.
2. Feel your body. The mind may tend to wonder off, but the body is in the present, so by paying attention to the feelings inside of you, you can better reconnect with the moment. How does it feel when someone gives you a gift? How does it feel to give a gift?
3. Listen to others. Being an active listener is not always easy and definitely keeps your attention in the present. During holidays, you may have a great opportunity to practice this valuable skill. Cherish your relationships with close ones by listening.
4. Reconnect through nature. Nature has a beautiful power to pull us back to the present. I went for a walk this morning and couldn’t but pay attention to the beautiful early morning sky, the smell of fireplaces in the air, the trees (at night they are beautifully lit up with all the lights). Notice the beauty around you by connecting to different elements: walking on Earth, smelling the Air, walking by the Water or Ice sculptures, gaze at the Fire in the fireplace, appreciate the vastness of the open Space. Sometimes, you even don’t have to be outside, you may just look out the window an notice the moon or sun shining at you.
5. Meditation helps bring our awareness to the present moment. The benefits of regular practice would help you experience more peace and desire to stay in now.

Wherever you are, whatever you do, experience this holiday time by being Present for everything: highs and lows, joys and sorrows, laughter and tears… Enjoy the ride!