Do you find yourself dwelling on past regrets or worrying about future events? Living life this way can leave you feeling ungrounded and distracted. It’s easy to get caught up in the “what if’s” of life, but when we do, we miss out on the magic of the present moment. Learning to be present can help us experience life fully as it is.
As a therapist and music therapist, even though I know the benefits of being in the present moment, I also understand how hard it can be to be to do that.
However, practicing mindfulness techniques has helped me to catch myself when I slip out of the present moment and change accordingly. In this post, we’ll explore the reasons why it may be hard to be present, why it’s essential to do so, and how being present can transform your life.
The Magic of the Present Moment
It’s easy to understand why it can be difficult to stay present. We all have personal reasons that can cause us to get caught up in past regrets or future worries. We may be anxious about what could happen in the future or feel guilty or regretful about past events. We may have lost our sense of “basic goodness” [1] or “loving-kindness” [2] towards ourselves or others, or we may be focused on the future-oriented mindset of our society. Whatever the reason, being present is essential to experiencing life fully.
However, the present moment is where the magic happens. When we’re fully present, we can observe and notice what’s happening right here, right now. From this place of awareness, we can choose how we wish to respond. We can’t change the past, and we can’t wholly control the future, but we can be present in the moment. The more we practice being present, the more we can see the magic of life unfolding in ways we never imagined.
Tips for Being More Present
Being present means being fully engaged in the moment and noticing what is happening around us and within us, without judgment or distraction. Here are some tips on how to be present:
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. One way to practice mindfulness is to focus on your breath, noticing each inhale and exhale. Whenever your mind wanders, simply bring your focus back to your breath. This practice can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, and help you stay present in the moment. Sometimes clients find that the use of music can be helpful in being able to notice their breath without becoming overwhelmed by their thoughts.
- Use your senses: Another way to be present is to use your senses to fully experience your environment. Notice the colors, textures, and shapes around you. Listen to the sounds in your environment. Smell and taste the food you are eating. This can help you stay grounded and connected to the present moment.
- Take a break from technology: Technology can be a huge distraction from the present moment. Taking a break from technology, even for a short period of time, can help you stay present and focused. Try turning off your phone or computer for a set period of time each day to give yourself a break from distractions.
- Practice gratitude: Focusing on what you are grateful for can help you stay present and appreciate the moment. Take a few moments each day to think about what you are thankful for in your life, no matter how big or small. This can help you cultivate a positive mindset and stay present in the moment.
Remember, being present takes practice. Start by incorporating small moments of mindfulness into your daily routine and build from there. With time and practice, you can learn to be more present and fully engage in the moments of your life.
Don’t miss out on the magic of the present moment. Learn to be present and experience life fully.
References
[1] Lion’s Roar: The Ground of Basic Goodness [2] The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society: Loving-Kindness MeditationRelated Blog Posts By SoundWell Music Therapy
- Music-Based Mindfulness Exercises: 4 Ways To Be, Hear, Now
- How To Combine Mindfulness and Music Therapy
- Supporting The Mind-Body Connection with Music
- Developing Body Awareness Through Mindfulness and Music
