Articles
Live in the Present Self Help Advice
Immediately reduce your stress by focusing on today, not yesterday or tomorrow. There's a reason we call today, present.
There's wisdom in bingo halls. It's printed on the signs that hang there, and at raffles and other games of chance. It says, "You must be present to win."
Advice | |
Intention and focused awareness are needed to be present. | |
Observe. Don't judge. | |
You'll be amazed at the joy you see and feel. | |
So you didn't win the lottery. Now what? | |
The problem is that while many of us are physically present in the moment, we're not really there.
You could be worrying about what will happen next, and so you miss what is happening now. You might be remembering how good things used to be, as current happiness passes you by. Or you may be preoccupied with yesterday's regrets, letting today's possibilities go unnoticed.
If you are not consciously participating in each moment, you're missing out on a lot of living.
Being present is not without effort. It requires two things: intention and focused awareness.
First, set an intention. Recognize and acknowledge that the present moment is the only one you have. Miss it, and it will be gone forever. Second, focus your mind in the moment and resist distractions. Simply concentrate on what is happening. Don't judge, criticize or compare it. Accept it, and enjoy it if you can.
Learn to be fully present in each moment, and your prize will be a more meaningful and joyful life.
Rmember: The past is history, the future is a mystery and today is a gift. That is why we call it the present.
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Image courtesy of jesadaphorn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Dan Johnston, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and director of psychological services at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. He also serves on the faculty of the Mercer University School of Medicine. Johnston is the creator of the Awakenings Web site, offering lessons for living.