How often do you allow yourself to live in the present moment?
Considering your mind is constantly flowing with over 60,000 thoughts at any given time it’s no wonder you may find it difficult to live in the present moment. Wondering what to do about an upcoming event or stuck in heavy emotions connected to your past are all easy ways you can forget to live in the present moment.
Animals are great teachers in many ways. They are all about living in the present moment. I was reminded of their teachings the other day when I told my dog we were going for a ride. She always gets really excited when I say the word, “ride.” She ran in circles as I was getting ready to grab my keys when I suddenly remembered I needed to take care of a few things before I left the house. As I put my keys down on the counter, she settled down in her bed and easily shifted into the next present moment.
That was such a profound lesson she gifted me with as she reminded me to focus more on living in the present moment. It wasn’t that she went to her bed upset because the ride didn’t happen, it was that she truly lives in the present moment.
Since your brain is equipped to handle so many thoughts containing the past, present, and future, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunity to live in the present moment.
The past is available to you for happy memories, reminders of what you’ve accomplished, and also the difficult challenges you’ve faced. Use the past as a place to call upon wisdom and knowledge to maneuver through present lessons that you may be facing.
The future is being created within your present thoughts. Remember, if your thoughts are focused in the past and you are reflecting on painful memories, hurt, resentment, and old wishes, you are missing opportunities to create a better future. Instead, you are creating more yucky stuff!
This week I encourage you to focus on living in the present moment. Catch yourself when you are getting lost in your past and bring yourself back to the present moment by looking at your surroundings, pay attention to what is going on around you, hear the birds sing, watching your pets play, whatever it may be that brings you into the present moment.
The present is a gift reminding you that the past is behind you, the future is ahead of you, and the magic of life is when you live in the present moment.
Always remember, you are more than your pain, more than your scars, and more than your fear.
