Being present, is a PRESENT - Me
A wise man named Drake once said "Better late is never, but never late is better, they say that time is money...." OH YOU FANCY HUH!? It is quite true, Drake.
(being present in this photo)
Recently I took one of my favorite author, Eckart Tolle's advice - yet again. BE PRESENT. In the now, today, and it's been a blessing to experience fully.
Here are 5 Practices and Principles that I have created for myself that work in aligning myself, becoming abundant in every aspect of my life, and being present is the key. I hope these help you, as you take some time to go outside, and just BE.
MY 5 PRACTICES
Embracing mindfulness:
The importance of slowing down, being present in the moment, and cultivating mindfulness in our daily lives. I encourage you to pause, reflect, and appreciate the simple things around them. A beautiful flower, a cute dog out for a walk, or simply the clouds moving.
Finding peace in the present:
There is power in finding peace and happiness in the present moment rather than constantly chasing future goals or dwelling on past regrets. These are some insights and practices to help you from personal experience to cultivate a sense of calm and contentment:
Mindful breathing: breathing is a way to anchor oneself in the present moment. When you focus your breath you can become aware of the sensations and thoughts that arise and let go of distractions.
Appreciating the small moments: pay attention to the little things in life and find joy in them. When you start noticing the beauty of nature, savoring a cup of tea, or enjoying a simple conversation with a stranger, it truly enlightens you in a priceless way.
Engaging the senses: using the senses as gateways to mindfulness. By fully experiencing sensory perceptions like sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, one can bring their attention to the present and appreciate the richness of each moment.
Practicing non-judgment: Miraculous things happen when you practice non-judgmental awareness of thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Instead of labeling things as good or bad, I suggest observing them without attachment or aversion, allowing for greater acceptance and understanding.
Cultivating gratitude: The practice of gratitude is highlighted as a way to shift focus from what is lacking to what is present. I have practiced writing in a gratitude journal for 12 years or so. And I find that expressing appreciation for the blessings and opportunities that exist in my life lead to more abundance.
(shop my children's and adult gratitude journal on AMAZON here)
Taking mindful pauses: lt IS IMPERATIVE to take breaks throughout the day to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the present moment. These moments of stillness and reflection can help cultivate clarity, calmness, and a sense of grounding.
Letting go of attachments:
The idea of letting go of attachments to outcomes, possessions, and expectations. By releasing these attachments, you can experience a greater sense of freedom and inner peace.
These are my 7 practices:
Impermanence: everything in life is impermanent. By acknowledging the transient nature of all things, including relationships, possessions, and experiences, we can cultivate a mindset of letting go.
Detaching from outcomes: The best practice is to detach from rigid expectations and outcomes. Instead of fixating on specific results, try focusing on the process and being open to different possibilities
Embracing change: Guess what? Change is an inherent part of life. Rather than resisting or fearing change, I encourage you to embrace it and find opportunities for growth and learning within it.
Cultivating non-attachment: I suggest practicing non-attachment by recognizing that our happiness and sense of self-worth should NOT be dependent on external circumstances or material possessions. By letting go of attachment to outcomes, we can find inner peace and contentment.
Simplifying and decluttering: There are benefits of simplifying our lives and letting go of physical clutter. By decluttering our physical environment, we can create space for clarity, peace, and a greater sense of freedom.
Forgiving and letting go of grudges: There is importance of forgiveness and letting go of grudges. From personal experience, I have learned that holding onto past hurts and resentments will weighs us down and prevents us from experiencing true freedom and inner peace. LET IT GO.
Accepting imperfections: The inner work we do for ourselves is a life-long one of learning it's a fun journey. it is imperative that you practice self-acceptance and accepting the imperfections of oneself and others. By letting go of the need for perfection, we can cultivate greater compassion, understanding, and forgiveness.
Self-care and self-compassion:
There is significance in the practice of daily self-care and self-compassion. I encourage you to prioritize their own well-being, practice self-acceptance, and be gentle with yourselves in times of difficulty or failure. IT WILL BE OKAY.
"Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE, the word itself says "I'M POSSIBLE." - Audrey Hepburn
Finding beauty in simplicity:
I encourage you to find beauty in the ordinary aspects of life, such as nature, daily routines, and small moments of joy. By appreciating the simple things, you can cultivate a sense of wonder and gratitude.
