This article is inspired by the wonderful individuals who participated in my recent circle called "Harmony Within."

During our meeting, we explored the theme of living in the present moment. We began with a simple exercise in mindful breathing and meditation, allowing ourselves a moment to simply be, without any obligations or distractions. After this practice, we felt a sense of calm and readiness to discuss how to apply living in the present moment to our everyday lives.

In today's society, multitasking has become the norm, often seen as necessary for productivity and success. However, it can lead to stress and a sense of disconnection from our own lives. Our minds become cluttered with thoughts and distractions, preventing us from fully experiencing each moment. Happiness is Now, not yesterday or tomorrow.

Awareness of the Present Moment

Consider how often we listen to background noise like TV, podcasts, or music while going about our daily routines. While seemingly harmless, this constant stimulation keeps us from truly engaging with the present moment. Without taking the time to process our experiences, we allow emotions to accumulate, forming habits and beliefs that may limit us.

Living in the present moment offers numerous benefits for our overall well-being, including physical, emotional, and mental health. For instance, when faced with a stomachache, instead of immediately reaching for a pill, pausing to reflect on the underlying cause can provide valuable insight into our body's needs.

Living in the present moment isn't complicated, but it does require practice and intention. It involves giving our full attention to whatever task or interaction is at hand, whether it's folding laundry or having a conversation. While it may seem like we don't have time to slow down, embracing the present moment saves time and reduces stress in the long run.

Developing this ability to be present can be approached from various angles, including yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices. By slowing down the chatter of our minds, we become more attuned to the present moment. However, it's also important to cultivate mindfulness in our daily lives through conscious awareness and intention.

As Eckhart Tolle wisely said, "Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have." By focusing on one task at a time, we can experience a sense of "meditation in action," fully immersing ourselves in the present moment. 

Why Do We Avoid The Present Moment?

Living in the present moment isn't always easy, as our minds are quickly distracted by thoughts of the past or future.

According to Vedic philosophy, our minds are powerful tools that can either be our friends or our enemies. The ego, driven by a desire for control and familiarity, often resists living in the present moment. However, by stepping back from the ego's demands, we allow space for our intellect to assess and gain perspective on our current experiences.

Living in the present moment isn't about ignoring the past or neglecting the future, but rather about acknowledging the role of the ego while focusing on the here and now. It's normal for the present moment to feel uncomfortable at times, but by cultivating awareness, we can choose how to respond. Avoiding discomfort won't make our challenges disappear. It might just bring on regret, shame, anxiety, or depression, which stand in for the pain we're avoiding. We need to process the pain, not ignore it. Instead, if we embrace what's going on, we can start to heal and fully appreciate the good times when they come around.

Practical Techniques

Practicing mindfulness through activities like breathwork, yoga, and meditation can help us cultivate awareness of the present moment. Additionally, incorporating simple daily reminders, such as 

Focusing solely on one activity at a time. Starting with simple tasks like brushing teeth, and redirecting the mind if it wanders elsewhere.

Notice whether the mind and body align in the same space. For instance, while conversing with someone, ensure the mind isn't preoccupied with planning the day.

Recenter attention on the breath. Whenever the mind strays from the present moment, pause to take a few mindful breaths.

Committing to these daily practices requires a willingness to gain wisdom from our experiences and fully appreciate the richness of our lives in the present.