Nomad 365 Club: Mindfulness
Being Present
"If you miss the present moment, you miss your appointment with life." — Thich Nhat Hanh
Your phone has notifications waiting for you when you wake up. Your calendar for this week is probably already filling up with appointments. The clock is ticking, and the moments will keep passing, whether you're truly living inside them or not. It's easy to get fully absorbed in the escalator of life: constantly focused on the next step, or reminiscing on the ones you'll never get back.
I’m going to ask you some simple questions to check in with you. What was the very first thing you did this morning? What was the most delicious part of your dinner yesterday? Out of all of your five senses, which sensory is heightened the most for you right now? These are all questions you can answer vividly when you're practicing mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present. It's knowing what's happening in your mind, body, and surroundings, right then and there. Just as importantly, mindfulness is about being purposeful in that moment; not judging it as it's happening. It's having a level of acceptance, letting the moment be what it’s going to be without needing to label it good or bad, or rush to change it.
I know I have your attention right now, but are you fully here with me? Or is your mind either already planning the next thing, or still replaying something from the past? Or you just feel like you need more stimulation, so you’re paying attention to something else too. It's easy to forget to be present.
I used to struggle with mindfulness. It was hard for me to live in the moment — I was constantly thinking about the next thing. However, reading, creative writing, and performing were my outlets to be fully present. They still are. But it was when I started practicing meditation and intentional breathing that I began to stay more within my body, and became more aware of how my environment was affecting it. Now I notice more easily when I'm getting tense, or holding my breath.
Not having a healthy level of daily mindfulness can lead to anxiety and depression. Anxiety often comes from being consumed by what's ahead; depression can come from being weighed down by what's already happened. This is why keeping a healthy mindfulness practice is essential. We need judgment-free space and time to simply exist and experience life for what it is; without judgment, without anticipation, just to be.
What's something you love doing that makes you lose track of time? What activities calm you, or bring you joy? When's the last time you did one of them? This is my challenge to you this month: be mindful. Be in the moment. And have some fun.
You've been on the move all year. It's paramount that you also make time to be still.
““Wherever you are, be there totally.” ”
Your life is waiting for you at every moment. It'd be a shame not to be present in your own life, for every short and beautiful second of it. You only get one life to live. Be a part of it, and enjoy it fully.