What does it mean to ‘be present? Are you present in your life?
To be present means to be in the here and now, focusing on the moment and being mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It can also mean being open and attentive to whatever is happening around you.
Being present also means being aware of the beauty and joy of life, and being able to appreciate and enjoy the moment.
Taking time to be present can help us to better connect with ourselves, others, and the world around us. In fact, being present is necessary in our everyday life. As a partner, daughter, friend or colleague, do you truly listen to those closest to you? Do you give them your full presence in a non judgemental, supportive way?
10 ways to be more present
1. Be present for yourself. Look after yourself. Like they say on the plane, put your mask on first before you help others. If you want to be present for others, you have to first be present yourself. Give to people from your overflow, You can give and give well when you give to you first.
Put you first and turn up for you
2. Does your brain feel like you’ve got lots of tabs open on your computer? Stop trying to multitask and concentrate on one thing. Slow down and minimise distractions.
3. Be You. Own You. Do You You don’t need to be an extrovert, or the centre of attention. If you are, great, but that's not the only type of person that can be powerfully magnetic. Don’t change who you are - embrace and own who you are. Don’t try to be someone else. Embrace your uniqueness
4. Slow down. Stop trying to focus on lots of things at once. Practice when you’re getting a coffee and being served - listen - be present instead of scrolling on your phone.
5. Truly listen to people when they talk to you. Try not to listen to reply. The world is so fast moving that we’re often thinking of our reply before the other person has finished speaking. Listen first - then respond.
6. Take time each day to practise mindfulness. Mindfulness can help you become more aware and focused on the present moment.
7. Set aside time each day for activities that bring you joy and help you relax.
8. Make an effort to connect with nature. Spend time outside and take in the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
9. Reduce distractions from technology. Limit your technology use when you can and create a designated time each day to be tech-free. Technology takes away our ability to be present, and takes away the space to be truly grounded and present. Social media puts a lot of pressure on people to look and live a certain way - remember, people aren’t perfect in real life.
10. Spend quality time with your loved ones. Connecting with family and friends can help you be more present and tuned in to the moment.
Practise these in your everyday life, and you should soon start to notice the changes.
Love Tx