Are you living in the Moment? How exactly does this work and what is the meaning of “Being In The Moment?”

Brings up quite a few questions doesn’t it! Let’s start with an explanation of what this means. Living in the Moment is all about living like there's no tomorrow. Being aware of what is happening right now, without focusing on the past or the future.

How often do you truly listen to another person? Is your complete attention on what is right in front of you? Are you wondering why this is important?

To fully connect with another person, they deserve your complete attention. Think of how clearer your communications will be when you both hear what the other person is saying. When you are fully present in the here and now, misinterpretations are less likely to occur. Can you envision how this could enhance your relationships, both personal and business!

Likewise, life will be richer and fuller because you notice everything around you by being totally present and in the moment. Watching a sunset or the clouds gliding across the sky, listening to a bird’s cheery song, or smelling the intoxicating scents of flowers are ways to appreciate all that life offers.

There is never nothing going on
From the movie “The Peaceful Warrior”

“Being in the Moment” State of Mind
Have you ever been so engrossed in something that the world seemed to disappear? You can learn to create that state of mind. The two main skills it utilizes are Awareness and Attention. Awareness and attention of what your mind is focusing on is an on-going process.

Now let’s explore some ways to bring about that awareness and attention:
• Take notice of the world around you: Look for small things in your life that can bring happiness to you. Stop and smell the roses.
• Focus on whatever you’re doing: Pay attention to your senses – touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste. Savor the Now and all that it encompasses.
• Smile when you wake up: Set the tone for your day by smiling as soon as you awaken. It’s a proven fact that this can actually influence your state of mind.
• Minimize dulling activities: Eliminate activities like watching TV, playing video games or spending too much time on the computer. Don’t zone out – zone in! Engage with the world around you.
• Be thankful for what you have in your life. Using gratitude opens the flow for more good to come into you life. If you are thankful for what is, you’ll be happy in the moment you are in instead of wishing to be somewhere else.
• Forgive past hurts, grudges and transgression: Holding onto these is keeping you stuck in the past. You are unable to move forward with these heavy weights holding you back. It’s over and done, let it go…..
• Watch your breath: Being aware of your breathing in and out quiets your mind and brings your focus back to the present. Slowly breathe in and out, letting all tensions and worries flow out of your body with your exhales.
• Listen to music: It’s amazing how this can shift your mood. Your mind becomes clear of all thoughts except the music. Express yourself by dancing or singing along with the tunes.
• Play with or watch young children play: Young children have not yet learned to focus on the past or the future. They give all their attention to what they are doing at that precise moment in time.

Lastly, I would like to make a couple of points very clear. By no means am I advocating living your life as if you are the only person on this planet.
• Live your life in such a way as to contribute and create a positive impact in the world.
• Living in the Moment does NOT mean you shouldn’t care about the future or do reckless, irresponsible things. It means when you make a choice to do something, you focus on actually doing it rather than dwelling on the future or the past.
• Don’t allow being in the Moment to be offensive, rude, uncaring or inconsiderate of others. Your focus should not be inward, but outward. Being in the moment means engaging with other people and the world around you.

Can you see the benefits of Being in the Moment? There are different levels of this focus. For example, an athlete uses very narrowed and defined focus on Being in the Moment when they are competing. Everyday life may not require that laser-focus intent.

So I encourage you to examine your life, your interactions with the world at large. Discover areas where you can utilize the power of Being in the Moment. It takes practice but in the end, you'll lead a fuller life.

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles,
but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."
Buddha

Author's Bio: 

Val Wilcox is a Speaker, Author and Life Coach who specializes in Empowering Your Life’s Dreams. She will support you in navigating the transitions of Life’s interesting challenges. Success has many faces and looks different to each and every one of us. Discovering your Life Passions unlocks the key to a better life.

With more than 10 years of experience in Leadership Development Training, Val brings a wealth of practical knowledge and experience to her coaching.

Val's newest EBook, Change Your Mindset ... Change Your Life is available through her website: http://www.valwilcox.com