One Life 2 Live

Our world is filled with constant distractions and future-oriented goals, it’s easy to lose sight of the present moment. Often, we find ourselves caught up in worries about the future or dwelling on the past, neglecting the beauty and significance of the here and now. But, in those times of focusing on the future or past we miss embracing the present moment, which is essential for living a fulfilling and meaningful life. In this initial post, my goal is to highlight some reasons why living in the moment is so important and how through choosing to live in the moment, how we can develop a greater appreciation for life.

What is it about time?

Time is a structure that governs our lives, yet it’s often a source of stress and anxiety that occupies our present. We are constantly racing against the clock, trying to fit as much as possible into our schedules. But in our drive to be productive and efficient, we often forget to pause and truly experience the moment.  

If we consider the truth about time, the past is behind us, and the future is uncertain. All we have is the moment we are currently in right now.  In this moment you are reading this post, or thinking about what comes next on your journey through life.  We are, in this present moment, discovering a gift that is to be cherished and experienced. When we focus on the present, we can free ourselves from the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future. This doesn’t mean ignoring our responsibilities or neglecting our goals; rather, it means being mindful and aware on our approach to living, while embracing the moment, for the gift that it is. 

What makes “now” so special?

When we embrace the “now” and live in the moment it allows us to find joy and beauty in the ordinary aspects of life. We learn to make ourselves fully present and are able to savor the simple pleasures of life: the warmth of the sun on our skin, the sound of laughter, the taste of a delicious meal, the smell of a freshly cut lawn. These simple, ordinary moments may seem insignificant, but when we express gratitude for them and acknowledge that they are what make life truly worth living we are able to experience joy and find happiness on a whole new level.

Embracing the present not only helps us to find joy and happiness for ourselves, but also allows us to build deeper connections with others. When we are fully engaged in a conversation or shared experience, we can forge meaningful bonds and create lasting memories. Think of the last time you achieved a goal, took a trip, discovered something new, or even laughed out loud.  These are experiences that are personal in nature but are often shared, even with strangers.  Connecting with others in the moment occurs regardless of age!  The grandparent seeing the world through the lens of a child and rediscovering their inner child.  The child experiencing the wisdom of an elder and embracing newly discovered social behaviors.  Sometimes this is the loss of a loved one and comfort is found in the celebration of the individual lost through the connection of friends and family.  Consider the following, what would happen if instead of being preoccupied with our phones or lost in our thoughts, we would give our full attention to the people around us?  We would develop stronger relationships with those around us, and cultivate a greater sense of community through those relationships.

How do we develop mindfulness?

So how can we become more present in our own lives? One powerful tool is mindfulness!  This is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Meditation, yoga, and other contemplative practices can help us develop greater awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations, allowing us to live more fully and authentically.

Additionally, adding mindfulness exercises into our daily routines can help us stay grounded and centered amidst life’s challenges. When stress levels rise and we find ourselves focused on the past or future, we can find balance in the present!  This might be experienced when we carve out time for ourselves!  Taking a few deep breaths before a stressful meeting or pausing to appreciate a beautiful sunset, small moments of mindfulness can have a profound and lasting impact on our well-being.

Change is inevitable

Developing a routine of mindfulness and regularly expressing gratitude reveal the truth of life which is, no matter what we do or how hard we try to prevent it, change is constant.  Because of the impermanence of life, we learn that each moment is fleeting, and that only by embracing the present, can we learn to let go of attachments and expectations, that seek to occupy our precious time.

Many of us like to play the “what if” game when planning for the future, but what if instead of chasing after future happiness or dwelling on past regrets, we can find contentment and fulfillment in the here and now? Living in the moment is an opportunity to experience joy, gratitude, and love. Being present helps us to embrace life with open arms, while cultivating a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.  Our time is precious, and we should seek to spend it wisely.  There is no life for us in the past, and the future never arrives when we live for the unachieved.  Only in the present can we find what we seek and experience life to its full potential.

The idiom of living in the moment is not just a cliché.  Rather it is a powerful practice that can transform our lives. As we develop our ability to embrace the present, we can find joy in the ordinary, develop deeper connections with others, and experience a greater sense of fulfillment. So, knowing what we know now about the odyssey of life, let’s take a moment to pause, breathe, and savor the beauty of life unfolding around us. Take a moment to stop and smell the flowers!  After all, the present moment is all we truly have.