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5 Ways To Enjoy Living In The Present Moment

By Operation-Meditation

Happiness largely depends on living in the present moment, simply because it allows us to let go of the past and open ourselves to the possibilities of the future, rather than berating ourselves for past failure or anxiously awaiting unforeseen events.

Gently pulling back from such thoughts and concentrating on the task at hand takes practice. Focusing on the task at hand – without expending too much energy that one is exhausted once the task is completed – also takes practice.

Nowadays, multi-tasking is regarded as a virtue; in fact, gadgetry more often than not has multiple functions. In terms of personal behavior, however, sometimes it is much more productive to focus one’s energies on a single task at a time rather than risk being overwhelmed and frazzled.

If we learn how to live in the present moment, we tend to respond better to challenges, enjoy our accomplishments more, and appreciate what we have. As the saying goes, you only live once.

Try to see if the following tasks will improve your disposition.

Use your senses. You are already equipped to savor the sensory experience of the here and now: employ your senses thus. Cast your eyes on a point of interest. If you’re working on something, your hands can be a point of reference. How does it feel against your fingertips? Listen to the sound at point of contact, take that as feedback. Or listen to your own breathing. Even the simple act of eating can hold a literal feast for the senses. Give yourself permission to savor. Relish the experience.
Meditate. Meditation can teach one to actively “be” in the present moment. It disciplines the mind and the body, so one is able to respond well to the stimulus of the present. Techniques of “present moment awareness meditation” or “mindfulness meditation” could aid a person in terms of improving concentration while conserving energy and clearing the mind. It could also provide you with personal insight.
Stop distracting yourself. Be wary of a constant, nagging inclination to surf the web, troll social media, turn on the TV, watch a movie, listen to music, or even read a book. While each activity has its values – engaging in cyber-activity, learning, or relaxation – it may also become a form of escapism. You have to ask yourself why you would rather tune out than live in the present moment. Is it necessary to send a text message while conversing with someone? Do you read a book at the dinner table, barely paying attention to what you are swallowing? Allowing yourself to be distracted makes you miss out on the full experience.
Tackle the issue now. If a problem has cropped up, don’t shy away. Try to solve it in the here and now. Don’t be paralyzed by the ramifications of what has gone wrong. Control what you can now, before worrying about what comes after. Try to be creative – while we learn from past mistakes, every situation has its particular nuances, and any solution will have to depend on what is actually happening now.
Show appreciation. Be thankful for what you have. Find something to appreciate in what you do and the people you do it with. Your family at home, your colleagues and clients at work; these are the people you share your burdens with. Acknowledge their contribution to your life. Realize how fortunate you are; being grateful makes you enjoy the present more.