Live In The Moment

To live in the moment or now means to be conscious, aware and in the present with all of your senses. It means to not think about or dwell on the past, nor be anxious or worry about the future.

When we give our attention to the present, or now, we focus on the task at hand. We give our full attention to what we are doing and we let go of outcomes.

Seizing each moment in our lives allows us to prolong its value and make it more meaningful. Rather than seeking quantity of time, when we live in the moment we enjoy and savor every minute. We don't sacrifice quality for quantity.

Of course, it doesn't mean that we don't have plans, set goals or prepare for the future. We can do all of those things and still enjoy each moment as it unfolds.

For instance if we have set a goal to exercise each day, we would carry on with it while we enjoy the actual process or moment of exercising (or at least be in the moment of it).

When we train ourselves to live in each moment, we immerse ourselves in it and begin to discover the beauty of it. We learn to focus and manage our energy. Professional athletes understand and use this kind of focus very well. They know that accomplishment and success are a result of the skillful management and balancing of energy.

To make every moment count we must embrace it. Everything we do and every person we come in contact with deserves our full attention. Even when resting we should savor the moment. It gives us the opportunity to recharge, renew and gain clarity.

Quite often we put huge expectations on ourselves and our lives. We rush to do this, hurry up with that, without actually enjoying the process. What's the rush? Where do we think we're going?

If we don't stop and think about where we're at, we're probably missing the point. Instead, when we appreciate each moment and garner the lessons from it, we live consciously, purposefully and responsibly.

Likewise when we live in the past and don't let go of painful experiences, perceived wrongs or difficult times, we condemn ourselves to a present and future of the same. We must accept that we can't change the past. We can only come to terms with it, know that it's over, and move on.

Living in the moment means letting go of the past and trusting in the future. If we are positive and optimistic in the present, our future will be positive and promising too. We owe it to ourselves to make every moment count - now!

Tips for living in the moment

• Train your mind to focus on the current activity.
• Engage in, and feel what you are doing. Enjoy the process.
• Learn relaxation techniques in order to be present in each moment.
• Take notice of your surroundings - sights, sounds, smells, ambiance.
• Listen attentively to the conversation of others, music, even silence.
• Savor your food and drink. Taste each morsel.

Benefits of living in the moment

• You become more connected with your thoughts and feelings
• Are more connected to others
• Feel more gratitude and enjoyment of life
• If you live in the moment, it won't pass you by
• Feel more focused, peaceful and alive
• Feel less anxious and fearful