January 2, 2018
Being present: How it works
In your daily life, do you find your mind wandering? Are you often so caught up in checking your phone that you’re not engaging with your partner? It can be difficult to be in the moment when you have a full schedule or other things on your mind. However, there are many benefits to being present. Practicing mindfulness can boost your memory, increase your focus, reduce stress, improve your emotional fitness and more.
And, most of all, learning how to be present will help you live with passion and purpose.
If you’re not experiencing each moment of your day, are you truly spending your time wisely? As Tony Robbins says, “If you’re in your head, you’re dead.” That is, if you’re not enjoying what’s happening around you, and are instead wrapped up in your to-do lists and worries, then you’re not really living at all.
It’s time to start practicing how to be more present – right now.
Find your inspiration
If you know you want to create a breakthrough in your life, what are you waiting for? The first step in being present is to identify what you want to work on. This is your inspiration as you work on being more mindful.
Do you have a limited amount of time to spend with loved ones, but find yourself checking emails during this time? Being present in your life isn’t just important for you – it’s important for your relationships. Your family will feel heard and you’ll spark emotional connection with your partner when you turn off your phone and other distractions and focus on living in the moment.
Are you missing deadlines at work because you can’t focus during meetings? Being present at work means paying attention, participating and taking notes. You’ll be prepared for questions, impress your boss and get that raise or promotion you’ve been working for.
Understand the benefits
Being present allows you to focus all of your energy on the task at hand, because, as Tony says, “Where focus goes, energy flows.” And when you focus on what you want, you’ll achieve it even faster.
What’s more, you’ll enjoy the activity you’re currently undertaking much more if you’re able to be present – even if it’s watching your children open gifts on Christmas day or lighting menorah candles with your partner. By being an active participant in your life, instead of a bystander, you’ll feel a greater sense of purpose in your actions and connectedness to those around you. When you think about it, you realize that finding more joy in your everyday life is a reason in and of itself to start practicing being present.
Practice being present
There are a variety of ways to practice being present. Put aside self-sabotaging habits like checking your phone constantly or letting your mind wander. Those who truly know how to be present turn off their phone notifications completely. They may not even take many pictures, because they are living in the moment.
Feeling your mind wander? Take a moment to notice your surroundings and ask yourself why you’re having trouble staying focused. Take a deep breath, stretch and notice the position of your body. Close your eyes and notice the sounds, smells and objects around you. Put on music to help you focus. You can even write down a few things you are grateful for, to tether you to this specific moment in time.
Being present in your life takes practice, and it can be difficult. If you’re still struggling to stay on task at work, or can’t give your family your undivided attention, perhaps it’s time to consider the Tony Robbins firewalk. This is a challenge that, when accomplished, will allow you to start living in the moment.
Try the firewalk
The firewalk has helped countless people to overcome the fears and insecurities that weigh them down and embrace being present. You’ll come together with a group of like-minded people and support one another as you walk across a hot bed of coals. This task sounds scary at first, but if you’re able to focus your undivided attention on being present, you’ll emerge on the other side of the coals unharmed.
The firewalk eliminates the distractions from everyday life and enables you to live in the now. You’ll take this mindset with you long after you’ve completed the challenge.
Learning how to be more present is essential to appreciating your daily life. Don’t let time slip by you unnoticed, especially around the holidays. As Tony says, “Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” Become more by being present, and seize the ultimate gift this holiday season – the gift of life!