Living in the Moment

Living in the moment, experiencing life authentically and enjoying moments as they happen is called mindfulness in academic circles. To be mindful is being present to the experience, instead of being preoccupied with something else as you engage in a task.

When was the last time you really paid attention and thoroughly enjoyed what you were doing? Being mindful during a meal, can change the entire experience of eating. You may taste all the flavors and sensations related to the food and really appreciate the meal.

Even as we engage in conversations with others, we are not always fully present and giving others our full attention. If fact it is pretty annoying, and you leave the conversation wondering if they really heard and understand what was said. Children seem to be mindful when they are given something they really want and they give the activity their full attention.

I have been guilty of multitasking, and do it very well… as a result I am not giving my complete attention to task I am engaged in. I am always thinking about what I need to do next. I have decided to watch less television so I can engage in some activities that I enjoy and experience being in the moment.

Pick one task today to practice being mindful. Try this while enjoying dinner with your family and you will find you really enjoyed the meal and did not eat as much as you would have because you were fully engaged and present. Being mindful can make your life more interesting and full, because you are enjoying the journey as well as the task. As you develop this new habit others will notice that something is different about you

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

Buddha