If you’re too busy dwelling on the past or thinking about the future, you won’t be able to fully appreciate the moment and notice all the good things around you.
Research indicates that living in the moment can make people happier, because most negative thoughts concern the past or the future. If you hoist yourself into the awareness of the present moment, worrying melts away.
With the fast pace of modern life, it isn’t always easy to slow down and appreciate the moment; however, it is really worth investing effort in being able to do that. You can become mindful at any time you like just by paying attention to your immediate experience and situation. You can do it right now. What’s happening this instant? Think of yourself as an external observer, and just observe the moment. What do you see, hear, smell? Without judging how it feels, just absorb what is around you – and if you notice your mind wandering, bring yourself back. Just keep focusing on the moment.
Tips on Mindful Living
Stop and look around. Notice beautiful shapes, colours, and details. Notice things you normally take for granted, like sunlight reflecting off someone’s hair. Think of all the little things you’d miss if you were blind. It’s often the most minute joys that are missed the most.
Smell the roses. And the food. And the air. Recognise the smells that make you feel good: a freshly cut lawn, the air right after it rains, a fresh pot of coffee.
Savour your food, slowly. Enjoy. Identify flavours. Appreciate how they intermingle. Take notes from wine enthusiasts; they know how to enjoy the subtlest of flavours.
Appreciate the sense of touch. How do leaves, blankets, lotions feel against your skin? How many times during the day do people touch you affectionately, and you barely notice?
Listen to more than music. Listen when you think it’s quiet, and you’ll discover it’s not really all that quiet. You might hear the wind; leaves rustling, people laughing.