With Meditation we can learn the art of being in the present moment. Being present is not easy and our minds are made to wonder into the future and the dwell on the past.
“If you are depressed you are living in the past.If you are anxious you are living in the future.If you are at peace you are living in the present.” Lao Tzu
Dwelling on things that happened in the past is a sure way to make ourselves sad. Planning the future is not inherently bad, however it can become an obsession and cause anxiety.
Being in the persent is the best way to experience life fully. Can you remember a time where you were completely absorbed by a task or a moment? Where you weren’t planning your future or dwelling over the past? These moments are usually quick and they go as quick as they arrived. However, there are ways to be present for longer and with awareness.
Doing a body scan, noticing sensations, the breath, sounds or any other object of focus are all great ways to remain in the present moment. Even eating with attention, savouring every bite. Or drinking a cup of coffee with your full attention to each sip. Meditation can help you focus on all these things with more. And the more you meditate, the more this awareness increases over time.
I know it can be hard to start meditating without guidance. So if you would like to begin focusing on the present moment, you can start with this free guided meditation.
Find out more about how meditation can improve your life here.