Focus on the Now

Focus on the Now: Being present in the moment doesn’t mean we don’t care about the future!

No doubt you’ve heard the adage, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” Truer words have never been spoken, yet one must live consciously in order to recognize and fully experience these moments.

Most of us have gone through times when we’ve functioned on auto-pilot. It’s easy to rush from place to place, to eat mindlessly and to multi-task through our workday.

Scientific studies have proven that practicing mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety and improves one’s overall health. So, take in the beauty of a sunset, savor every sip of your morning tea, and fully focus on each task at hand, including actions that build the future of your dreams.

In a previous blog, I offered ideas on how to connect with the present moment. But what about the future? How do we remain focused in the present moment while at the same time moving toward an amazing future?

In my contemporary romance novel, Nora’s Promise, Steph Daley grapples with this quandary. Steph gets so caught up in the now that she refuses to think about the future, and this causes issues in her relationship with Cruz.

Being present in the moment doesn’t mean we don’t care about the future. You can stay in the moment and at the same time move toward your desired future if you focus on doing the action instead of letting your mind fixate on the future. This approach allows us to move toward our desires while staying present in the actions we’re taking to get there.

Below I’ve included select Reading Group Guide questions from Nora’s Promise to further contemplate living in the now:

©     Nora’s grandfather tells Nora, “When you dwell in the past, you’re giving away your personal power to create what you want in this moment.” What do you think this means?

©     Pap says, “Your mind is the only thing that keeps you from living in the present.” How can you avoid letting your mind control you and keep you from living in the now?

©     Nora’s grandfather tells Steph, “You can’t use the now as a tool for avoidance…You can be focused in the present moment while taking actions that move you toward your desired future.”  How can you balance living in the now while at the same time creating the future you desire?

A full list of Reading Group Guide questions can be found on my website at: https://sedonahutton.com/.  

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” ― Eckhart Tolle

This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of women’s fiction/romance novels with spiritual and 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 Power of Now-A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle: https://amzn.to/2Rq9YgN

The Ten Commitments by Dr. David Simon: https://amzn.to/2UEH0J2

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k

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.