Live in the Moment

“The next message you need is always right where you are.”

― Ram Dass

To live in the moment, or now, means being conscious, aware and in the present with all of your senses. It means not dwelling on the past, nor being anxious or worrying about the future.

When we concentrate our attention on the present we focus on the task at hand. We give our full attention to what we are doing, and we let go of outcomes.

Seizing each moment in life allows us to prolong its value and make it more meaningful. Rather than seeking a quantity of time, when we live in the moment we enjoy and savor every minute. We don't sacrifice quality for quantity.

Of course, this doesn't mean we don't need to plan, set goals, or prepare for the future. We can do all of these things and still enjoy each moment as it unfolds.

For instance, if we have set a goal to exercise each day, we would carry on with it while enjoying the actual process, or moment, of exercising (or at least be in the moment of it).

When we train ourselves to live in each moment, we immerse ourselves in it and begin to discover its beauty and wonder. We learn how to focus and how to manage our energy. Professional athletes understand and employ this kind of focus very well. They know that accomplishment and success are a result of the skillful management and balancing of energy.

To make every moment count we must embrace it. Everything we do and every person we come in contact with deserves our full attention. Even when resting we should savor the moment. It gives us the opportunity to recharge, renew and gain clarity.

Quite often we put huge expectations on ourselves and our lives. We rush to do this, hurry up with that, without actually enjoying the process. What's the rush? Where do we think we're going?

If we don't stop and think about where we're at, we're probably missing the point. Instead, when we appreciate each moment and garner the lessons from it, we live consciously, purposefully, and responsibly.

Likewise, when we live in the past and don't let go of painful experiences, perceived wrongs, or difficult times, we condemn ourselves to a present and future of the same. We cannot change the past. We can, however, come to terms with it, know that it's over, and move on.

Living in the moment means letting go of the past and trusting in the future. When we are positive and optimistic in the present, we open the possibility of a positive and promising future. We owe it to ourselves to make every moment count - now!

Tips for Living in The Moment

Train your mind to focus on the current activity.

Engage in and feel what you are doing. Enjoy the process.

Learn relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and visualization in order to be present in each moment.

Take notice of your surroundings - sights, sounds, smells, ambiance.

Listen attentively to the conversation of others, music, and even silence.

Savor your food and drink. Taste each morsel.

Benefits of Living in The Moment

✔ You become more connected with your thoughts and feelings
✔ You are more connected to others
✔ Feel more gratitude and enjoyment of life
✔ If you live in the moment, it won't pass you by
✔ Feel more focused, peaceful, and alive
✔ Feel less anxious and fearful

Like all skills, training yourself to enjoy and live in the moment takes time and practice. Begin now and see life from a fresh, new perspective. Carpe diem!

Contributors: B. Tiger, Z. Hereford

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