How Can You Make the Most of Your Time?
We know being present in the moment is important. There is even a whole practice called “Present Moment Awareness.” But, do we really know how to do it, especially when we get embroiled in our busy lives?
Well Known Tool
The most established method to integrate the practice of present moment awareness (or mindfulness) in to your life is to mediate as it ultimately reshapes your brain and proclivity toward using the more developed area of your brain.
Below are 2 ways I meditate:
- A very simple meditation is to set the timer for 5 minutes. Then, just focus your awareness on your breath and how it feels coming in and out of your nose or mouth. Or, you could also be aware of the rise and fall of your belly as you breath. If your mind wanders, gently redirect your focus to the sensations your feeling in your body.
- If you need more assistance, I enjoy meditations by Deepak Chopra. He periodically provides a meditation with a theme that lasts for 21 days (which is the minimal amount of time needed to create a new habit).
Additional Tools
You can build on your meditation practice or move forward with practicing PMA with other tools that might be easier to integrate into modern day lives. For a full description of options, check out the book Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Life: The New Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. This book is designed to help change your approach to your problems and improve the direction of your life by leveraging techniques within mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based living.
Simplest Way to Begin
At the most basic level, practicing PMA can begin focusing on your breath and asking the question “what am I noticing in this moment?” I most often ask the question when I’m emotionally triggered. Just pausing and identifying my thoughts, feelings, or any sensations in my body immediately calm me.
I also bring in an element of gratitude for what is occurring. I don’t mean resignation to a negative outcome in life. I just try to “be with” those thoughts, feelings, and sensations. I suddenly have access to a new and deeper level of awareness that helps me to work through what has triggered me and find a more creative solution to process it.
You could also ask that question during less stressful times such as washing your hands, taking a shower, or walking through a park. It’ll help train your brain to stay focused on the moment versus having your mind wander. And, studies show that happier people tend to be have their mind wander less.
This information is just the beginning to living a more mindful, happier life. But, the beginning usually is the best place to start:-)
