Have you noticed it’s impossible to enjoy life at the highest level without being fully aware of the present moment?  That’s because Life can only be lived in the present. Now more than ever our minds are preoccupied with multiple things; and have you noticed none of which is occurring right now?

I sometimes say that our mind is like a monkey jumping from here to there, always active and constantly attempting to break free to occupy itself with the past, the future, and pure fantasy. Although it’s good to prepare for the future and learn from the past, putting your valuable attention primarily on the present has many benefits. 

In the book “The Passion Test” co-authored by one of my mentors, Janet Bray Attwood, they say that “what you focus on grows stronger in your life.”  Stop and think about if for a minute. What are you putting your valuable focus on?  Is it the past, the future or right where you are NOW….the present.  

Recently I completed a wellness program with a very wise coach, Daniel Emilio Julian, who invited me to ask myself these questions:

1.  Where are you? (and the answer is always here)
2. What time is it? (NOW)
3. Who are you?    (this moment)

Whenever I feel that I am falling back on the past or leaping forward to the future, I ask myself these questions.  This always brings me back to the present to enjoy.

I invite you to practice these ways to live in the present and enjoy more of your life:

1. Let go of worry
   Worrying can only happen when you look to the future. Keep your thoughts on your environment and your current activity. You can’t worry if you leave the future alone.
   
2. Release regret
   Regret arrives while thinking about the past. The past is over and no longer exists. You bring your past mistakes to life by thinking about them. Let them go.  As my sister Nereyda says “correct and continue”.
   
3. Silence your electronic devices
   Cell phones, computers, iPods, and gaming systems take you away from the present moment. Find your enjoyment in things you love to do rather than in an imaginary world or in superficial communication.
   
4. Avoid multitasking
   Try doing one task at a time. Current research is overwhelmingly in favor of single-tasking. You’ll find you perform the task faster and at a higher level. Let multitasking be a thing of the past. Single-tasking is much more conducive to living in the present.
   
5. Dispose of unnecessary items
   Having too many things is more of a burden than an advantage. Owning too many things results in disorder that clutters both your physical environment and your mind. If you don’t need it, consider giving it away or selling it. 
   
6. Forgive
   When you hold a grudge, the only one suffering is you! Anger is distracting and keeps you from enjoying the present. One powerful way I forgive myself and others is by practicing Ho’oponopono which is simply saying:  I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you.  Ho’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian practice still in use today and is well-known for the miracle it does in clearing negativity from one’s mind and thought.
   
7. Go with the flow
   Rushing creates a unique type of anxiety. Give yourself the time you need to enjoy the current activity. Deal with one task at a time and give it your full attention.
   
8. Listen intently
   If someone is speaking to you, give them your full attention and participate in the conversation to the best of your ability.  Really be present with them.
   
9. Spend 5 minutes of each hour noticing how you feel
   Take 5 minutes and describe to yourself everything you see, hear, smell, and feel. It’s an easy way to bring your mind back to the present moment and keep it there. There’s no way to do the exercise without being mindful. I invite you to put an alarm on your phone every hour on the hour to build a habit of doing this exercise.
   
10. Eat slowly and savor your food
    By eating slower, you’ll have the chance to enjoy your food more. You’ll also eat less, which is a good thing for many of us. Try eating an entire sliced apple one piece at a time. Go slowly and focus on the flavor of each section.
    
11. Under schedule
    Too many obligations results in a crowded schedule and time concerns. It’s not easy to stay focused on the current task if you’re worried about being on time for the next one. Leave space between your obligations. Do less and experience more.  Plan on completing 5 major tasks or less per day.  I find that it helps to set an intention at the beginning of the day to set your day up for success.
    

Focus on staying present and living your life by leaving the past in the past and enjoying the future when it gets here. Living in the moment is a habit and a skill. Indulging in worry and regret are also habits. While it’s not possible to live entirely in the moment, life is more enjoyable and meaningful when your focus is on the present.  

Thank you for being in my life.