The present moment
How can we reconnect?
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In today’s fast-moving world, as we are swept away with our daily demands and 'expectations', it has become too easy to forget the simple pleasures of life, and many people have lost touch with the present moment; with their focus either on reliving the past or worrying about the future. However, this has shown not just to affect your mental and emotional well-being, but also your physical health. In this blog I am going to share some holistic practices that you can try to bring yourself back into the beautiful present and find the small joys in life again.
Living in the present
The present moment is the only moment that is real. The past no longer exists, and it is out of our control and the future is yet to happen. By living in the past or the future, we are focusing our energy on regrets, guilt, worries, anxieties and fears, all of which affect our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Our bodies cannot heal or find calm in this state. In the book ‘Becoming Supernatural’ by Dr Joe Dispenza, he states, “Where attention goes, energy flows.” By constantly dwelling on the past, you energise those memories and the emotions that come with it; you energise a reality that is completely separate to the present moment you are in, and your body then matches that energy. You are using your energy to worry and fixate, which leaves you with little energy to create a new reality, where you are not attached to anything, but present in the 'now', allowing yourself to simply ‘be’.
The past is the past, it serves the purpose of teaching us a lesson, encouraging us to learn, grow and evolve. It is time to meet it with love, compassion and acceptance, and let it go. The future isn’t here yet, and it isn’t fixed. We are the masters of our fate, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate.” – Carl Jung. We create our future through our mindset, our choices and our actions. All of which we can control in the present. Worrying about the future is like holding up an umbrella and waiting for it to rain. Let it go, focus on showing up for yourself in each moment and deepening your connection to yourself and your life. Imagine your life is like a beautiful path of stepping stones in a gentle flowing stream. Take it step by step, and at your own pace. There is no rush, there is no competition, only your experience here in this moment, in the now. Sit with each stepping stone, enjoy what each one brings into your life.
Simple practices to bring presence into your life
1. emotional Check in
Throughout your day, it is incredibly helpful to check in regularly to bring your presence back to the present moment. A wonderful way to do this is to simply pause and ask yourself: How am I feeling right now? What am I doing? How does it feel? What can I see? What can I hear? What can I smell? And to take 3 deep, grounding breaths.
2. Journaling
Journaling is a simple yet profound activity. It can be as short or as detailed as you like. Try writing down three things you enjoyed today and three things you’re grateful for in this moment. Or perhaps journal about your day - how you’ve been feeling, your thoughts, and reflections. It is a lovely way to offload especially if you find yourself worrying about the past or future. Make it a special ritual just for you – prepare your favourite drink, sit down and get cosy, light a candle and pour your thoughts onto the page. You will find that after you have let it all out, you feel lighter and calmer; like a weight has been lifted off you and your mind has had the release it needed.
3. Meditation & breath work
Mindfulness helps anchor us into the present moment, creating a sense of calm and clarity. Breathing techniques, such as extending your out-breath, signal to your body that it’s time to relax, activating the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of the body responsible for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This practice not only eases stress and anxiety but also allows you to observe your thoughts without judgement, letting them drift away naturally. Meditation can also increase awareness and open your eyes to the beauty and stillness of the present, helping you find peace amidst the busyness of life.
4. slowing down
Do you ever catch yourself rushing through tasks, even when there’s no real deadline? Slowing down actually regulates your nervous system, whether you’re eating, showering, brushing your hair, washing up, cooking and so on. Try to approach these everyday activities at a slower pace. Life is a sensory experience, and when we rush, we miss out on the small pleasures and lose touch with the richness of each moment. The next time you wash your hair, for instance, slow down. Feel the water running over your body, smell the shampoo, and fully immerse yourself in that moment. By doing so, you’ll experience life in its wholeness, one mindful moment at a time.
5. grounding
Taking a walk or simply sitting in a place surrounded by nature—trees, greenery, water, birds, and rustling leaves—can bring a deep sense of calm and connection. Immersing yourself in nature has been scientifically proven to soothe the mind and body. Picture this... the gentle sound of the wind rustling through the leaves, a stream flowing softly over mossy rocks, birds chirping and singing their melodies to you, and the cool sensation of fresh grass beneath your feet. These moments in nature allow you to reconnect with the present, leaving you feeling grounded and at peace.
6. reiki energy healing
Reiki Healing allows you to tap into energies that go beyond the physical realm. Reiki, a Japanese healing technique, channels universal life force energy through the practitioner to the recipient. This energy flow helps to balance your chakras, clear blockages and restore harmony within the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy fields. Reiki can give you a profound sense of connection to your inner self and to the universe. Reiki helps you to connect to the present moment by encouraging a state of deep relaxation and mindfulness. During a session you are invited to be still, quiet and receptive to the magical energy.
7. massage therapy
The gentle pressure and rhythm of therapeutic touch helps to release endorphins and oxytocin, the 'feel-good' hormones in the brain, which reduces anxiety and tension and can create a sacred space for introspection. Massage enhances your connection to the physical body and anchors you to the present moment by bringing your focus to the physical sensations — such as warmth and pressure. This helps to quiet your mind and heighten your awareness of your body. The mindful connection between body and mind can give you a sense of calm, grounding, and balance.
Life can seem very fast and often overwhelming, but by prioritising ourselves, embracing the present, and letting go of what no longer serves us, we can create an experience that is more joyful and fulfilling. You deserve to let go of the past, to let the future be, and to sink into the serenity of being with yourself fully in this moment. Take the time to heal, to breathe, to let go, to be free. As Master Oogway says in Kung Fu Panda, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” Allow yourself the gift of presence, for it is where your magic lies. Trust that all is well.
