The Practice of Being Present

As I sat in the airport with my children awaiting our delayed flight, my heart raced.  We were heading out for a beautiful little adventure, and all I could think about was my to-do list and the worries hanging over my head.   Responsibilities were weighing on me, and I was trying to stave off full-blown panic.

Stress, anxiety, to-dos, wants, desires, lack of acceptance for what is – these are just some of the things that can pull us into our heads and out of the present moment. 

I closed my eyes, took deep breaths, and asked myself what I wanted to feel instead of the weight and panic that threatened to swallow me.  The answer was simple -- “presence.”  I wanted to be present. I was physically just where I wanted to be, but my head and heart weren’t in it.  What a waste!  Fortunately, I was able to reset, and we had a fantastic weekend getaway with my parents.  I love traveling with my children, and this trip was no exception. 

This moment got me thinking about the practice of being present:  bringing ourselves back to what is right in front of us so we can actually live our lives instead of going through the motions. 

The Benefits of Being Present

Being present has benefits to both your personal and professional life.  It can increase your focus and productivity, reduce stress, dramatically improve your overall mood and mental health, and most certainly deepen and improve your relationships – including your relationship with yourself.  It’s a key ingredient in the secret sauce of taking your life from good to great and creating an exciting and fulfilled life.

Action Steps to Cultivate Presence

Set an Intention

  • Start with areas of your life you already know you want to work on, whether it’s a relationship or working towards a goal.  Before approaching this person or task, set a clear intention to be fully engaged.  Avoid multitasking and instead focus on single-tasking.

Get Clear on Your Values 

  • We all have different key values, and they change over time. The more you know about what makes you feel alive, empowered, and fulfilled in this era of your life, the easier it is to connect your choices to purpose.  And when you have purpose, you can effect change. 

Put Your Technology Away

  • When you want to be present, put your technology away.  Period.  This supports single-tasking and reduces distractions.

Move Your Body

  • Physical movement helps clear the chatter in your head.  Whether it’s a walk, stretching, or a workout, moving your body can help you reconnect with the present moment. 

Get Out into Nature 

  • Spending time in nature can ground you and bring a sense of peace, presence, and clarity on what really matters.

Here’s to living fully and embracing each moment!

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Asking Yourself What You Want