Presence & Acceptance
We often hear from yogis and other spiritual teachers to “be present.”
But what does this really mean? How can one be present in such a fast-paced, interconnected world?
Here is how I like to look at it:
Being present is as simple as not thinking / worrying about the past or future. It is in observing our immediate surroundings and accepting where we are.
At the end of the day, the past is no longer, and the future is merely present moments leading up to another present moment. So when we think of it that way, what is the point of directing our attention elsewhere?
Now, it can be easy to think about how we “messed up” in the past or how we will be happy when something happens in the future. Again, what is this accomplishing rather than an unhappy present moment? My answer: not the most enjoyable experience.
To be fully present, we must accept all that is. Accept all of our challenges, all of our joys. Once we accept everything that we are and everything that is around us, now we can choose consciously how to live each and every moment where we can improve upon that.
If your goal is to be healthier and you get overwhelmed by the thought of how many hours of working out you will need to do in the future to get there, stop. Instead focus on what small action you can do right now that will move you 1% closer. Stop overthinking, and start acting. We so often get caught up in our own heads and paralyze ourselves by creating stories in our mind that may not even be real.
What if instead of spending all that mental energy dwelling or worrying, you use that to create the life you want? “Move towards your bliss, not away from your stress.” – Emily Fletcher
This is a powerful mindset shift. Move towards abundance, not away from scarcity.
Accept all that is, and use every present moment to be who you want to become. Our mind is an incredibly powerful tool that cannot be underestimated. It truly can make or break us if we let it.
As James Allen says in his book, As A Man Thinketh: “A man's mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will, bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind.”
Choose your thoughts by accepting all that is and being present.
Some activities that help me tune into the present moment:
Barefoot walking
Breathing
Gardening
Exercise
Cold exposure
Sauna
Meditation
Journaling
Gratitude practice
Making love
Playing – whatever that means to you
Connecting with nature
Writing
Conversation with friends
Helping others
Smiling 😊
Whatever else helps you be present, do that. And do that as often as you can, for what is life but this present moment?