This blog was written as a guest post for LauriesPlace.net as a part of a blog tour for NORA’S PROMISE. Please stop by to check out the full tour at: https://lauriesplace.net/.
Focusing on the present moment is a key theme in my contemporary romance, NORA’S PROMISE.
It sounds simple, but for most of us, living in the now requires practice and ongoing awareness. A Harvard study found that people spend 47% of their waking hours thinking about what isn’t going on. It’s human nature to spend time dwelling in the past or worrying about the future. Unfortunately, this isn’t good for us. The Harvard study shows that this mind-wandering makes people unhappy.
“A human mind is a wandering mind, and a wandering mind is an unhappy mind,” says Killingsworth and Gilbert, professors of psychology at Harvard. “The ability to think about what is not happening is a cognitive achievement that comes at an emotional cost.”
“Mind-wandering is an excellent predictor of people’s happiness,” Killingsworth says. “In fact, how often our minds leave the present and where they tend to go is a better predictor of our happiness than the activities in which we are engaged.”
Increased happiness is an excellent reason to focus on the now. According to spiritual teacher, Eckhart Tolle, the only time we’re truly alive is in the present moment. Not in the past…not in the future…we live our lives in the now.
“Time isn’t precious at all, because it is an illusion. What you perceive as precious is not time but the one point that is out of time: the Now. That is precious indeed. The more you are focused on time—past and future—the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is.”—Eckhart Tolle
“When we live in the flow of that stream of energy, we remain centered and fulfilled even through the ups and downs of our day.” — Deepak Chopra
“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
Living in the now allows us to savor the simple moments in life. It increases joy, reduces stress, and enhances our connection with others.
The greatest obstacle of presence is the mind. Mind-wandering is our brain’s default approach. Given this, we must be conscious of our thoughts and recognize when we’re not fully present. Once this acknowledgment takes place, there are many ways in which one can reconnect with the present moment. Several suggestions are provided below:
§ An age-old tip is to focus on your breathing. Bringing your attention to your breath reduces the number of thoughts running through your mind and opens space for awareness of what’s going on inside and around you.
§ Consciously move your body. Wiggle your toes, fist and release your hands. Roll your neck. It’s amazing how these simple movements return your attention to the now.
§ Ask yourself, “Am I present?” If not, redirect your focus. Ask this question many times throughout the day…and overtime you’ll likely find an upward trend of, “Yes!” responses.
§ Focus on your immediate surroundings using your senses. Listen to the birds chirping. Gaze at the mountains. Feel the sun warming your skin. Breathe in the scent of pine. Cup your hands around a mug of tea; feel its warmth and draw in the delicious spices.
Now it’s your turn—what techniques do you use to refocus or to remain focused on the present moment?
This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of women’s fiction and romance novels with spiritual & new age twists.
NORA’S PROMISE, a contemporary romance: She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Can one orphaned boy force them to change gears? Purchase link: https://amzn.to/2OktquX
CLOUD WHISPERS, a contemporary novel: The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate. Purchase link: https://goo.gl/N9aC38
To sign up for Sedona’s blog newsletter, tap this link: https://www.sedonahutton.com/
Recommended Reading:
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k
The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now by Thich Nhat Hanh: https://amzn.to/2BRpecU
Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.
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