5 Easy Ways to Stay Grounded in the Now

 

Many people throw out the term “Focus on the now!”…which is sage advice. But what does this really mean—isn’t everyone living in the now?

Living in the now or being truly present is when you live fully in each moment, aware of what you are experiencing in the here and now, without dwelling on the past or being fearful of the future.

When you’re persistently thinking about the past, you give your energy to people, events, situations, feelings, and thoughts from the past. Often, these aren’t situations you want to repeat. Yet thinking about them and giving them your energy creates more of the same. Remember, the Law of Attraction states, “like attracts like.”

In my novel, Nora’s Promise, Nora’s beloved grandfather offers this wisdom, “When you dwell in the past, you give away your personal power to create what you want in that moment because your energy and point of leverage is all directed in the past and on what has already happened, so you keep creating new versions of the past. If you’re overly focused on the future, you’re living in a time that doesn’t yet exist.”

If this is the case, how does one plan for the future? You can be focused on the present moment while taking actions that move you toward your desired future. The key is to trust your inner voice (you and only you know what you want and what steps will move you in the direction of your desires.) Also, move in flow with the universe and be flexible to change.

Wayne Dyer addressed this concept eloquently, “Present-moment living, getting in touch with your now, is at the heart of effective living. When you think about it, there really is no other moment you can live. Now is all there is, and the future is just another present moment to live when it arrives.”

Eckhart Tolle offers a simple exercise to help us return to the present moment. Ask yourself, “Am I breathing?” and shift your attention to your breath. You will become aware of your inhale and exhale, and even if it’s just for a few seconds, you will enter the state of presence. 

5 Easy Ways to Stay Grounded in the Now

1. Focus on your breath.
2. Do whatever you are doing consciously (whether it’s taking a sip of tea, washing your hands, or driving to work…use all of your senses – draw in the scent of vanilla, gaze at the water, feel your hands grip the steering wheel – and remain fully conscious in that activity.)
3. Practice yoga, Qigong, or any other mindful exercise.
4. Take breaks throughout your day. Go for a walk, watch the sun rise or set, stand barefoot in the grass, sit under a tree (in other words—get out in nature!)
5. Set the intention to “catch yourself” when you drift into autopilot. After you catch yourself, you can shift from unconscious to conscious activity. 

“Most humans are never fully present in the now, because unconsciously they believe that the next moment must be more important than this one. But then you miss your whole life, which is never not now. And that’s a revelation for some people: to realize that your life is only ever now.” —Eckhart Tolle

This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction sprinkled with spirituality.    

 

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NORA’S PROMISE—DISTRACTION IN DAYTONA: She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Can one orphaned boy force them to change gears?

Reader Review Excerpt: “Chemistry that just sizzled off the pages...Amazing and lovable characters...A wonderful story of love and spiritual journeys.”

NORA’S PROMISE—DISTRACTION IN DAYTONA is the first standalone novel in the Racing Hearts of Serenity romantic fiction series. If you like small town family sagas, stories with second chances and a touch of magic, you’ll love Sedona Hutton’s captivating tale.

NORA’S PROMISE—DISTRACTION IN DAYTONA was awarded the Bronze medal in the 2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance category and was a Finalist in the 2019 NIEA contest. Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2OktquX

 

CLOUD WHISPERS: A novel of family and forgiveness with a strong spiritual message: The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate….

Reader Review Excerpt: “A beautifully woven story filled with love, loss, betrayal and renewal. It touches the heart of the reader as life unfolds for Liam and Katie. Peppered throughout the story are spiritual awakenings and life lessons which help to clarify many of the “why’s” in each of our lives. While Cloud Whispers includes passionate love stories, it also feeds your spirt and renews your soul. The gifts from this novel are unforgettable.”

CLOUD WHISPERS was awarded the IPPY Bronze medal winner for visionary fiction, Reader’s Favorite Finalist for visionary fiction, and an Official Selection in the Summer eBook Awards for New Apple Literary. Purchase link: https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc. 

 

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 Photo by Elia Pellegrini on Unsplash.