5 STEPS to connect with YOUR Present. Number 5 will ‘silence’ you.

From time to time, in an increasingly distracting and complicated world, many of us feel disconnected, disinterested and disenchanted with life. We are trapped by events of the past and anxious about events in the future. We fail to stay in the present. Living in the present moment means no longer worrying about what happened in the past and not fearing what will happen in the future. It means enjoying what’s happening now and living for today. Choosing to live in the past or the future not only robs you of enjoyment today, but it also robs you of truly living. As a way out, or more accurately, as a way in, many have sought to pick up mindfulness. Mindfulness practices can help us to increase our ability to regulate emotions, decrease stress, anxiety and depression. It can also help us to focus our attention, as well as to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Research suggest that mindfulness helps us tune out distractions and improves our memory and attention skills. It also improves our ability to recall information. Helps regulate emotions. Those that practice mindfulness experience a decrease in emotional reactivity and an increase in cognitive focus. Today, I will share with you my top 5 favourite techniques for connecting with the present.

What is the meaning of being present?

Being Present means being fully conscious of the moment and free from the noise of internal dialogue. It’s often associated with feelings of stillness and peace. Sensations often seem sharper.

1. Breath meditation

4 seconds in, 4 seconds out. The inhale exhale elixir of life. Breathing is our most basic, and also our most power tool to connect with the present. We are breathing all the time, but how often do we realise this?

2. Body scan

Focus on your body parts from head to toe, scanning down your body 3 times, with each time longer and longer. This simple grounding technique helps us get in touch with each and every body part, noticing how we have conveniently overlooked and neglected some areas, helping us focus on the tension and relaxing these forgotten places.

3. Reciting mantras.

Pay attention to words. Focus on words that bring you peace. Repeat the word in your head multiple times before moving on to the next word. It can be something as simple as *BE…*

4. Waiting for your next thought

Anticipate, whats your next thought? If you are fully concentrating on this, you will notice brilliant changes.

5. Awareness of silence

Learning to appreciate the beauty of silence is a beautiful and elegant art. Silence, is what makes music so pleasing. The greatest music in the world contains a combination of notes and pauses. Just listen intently, to your surroundings, and be amazed. In the words of Depache Mode, * Enjoy the Silence*