How to Live your life in the Moment

By Honour Chokote, a Life’s Rails Blog Contributer

No one said living life in the moment is a piece of cake…

As humans, it isn’t the easiest thing to live in the moment. More often than not, we find ourselves thinking about both essential and not so essential things in life, taking our focus away from our daily blessings. But what exactly does it mean to live in the moment? Simply put, “choosing not to worry what has happened and not fearing what will happen.” When you focus on what has been and what will be, you rob yourself of what is. 

A Moment of Patience is a virtue

Yes, this is easier said than done, we are still humans, and we can’t help it. If you are have problems living in the present and need help, this blog is just for you. This is a gradual process that requires patience and perseverance, but we will be here to help you out every step of the way. 

The act of living in the moment is called mindfulness.

This is a state where you are, in the now, and your attention is set in the present. It may be easy to do it for a second or two, but how do you stop your mind from wondering what you will have for lunch later today? Now the answer to this may sound odd but keep an open mind. 

So, what’s the answer? It is…

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Make use of your five senses. Sounds odd, doesn’t it? Sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste. How do they apply, you may ask? When you find yourself unable to keep your mind on the present moment, remember the following:

1. Sight

Look around, take in the sights around you. If you are outside, take a look at the sky. Is it a sunny day or maybe grey? Are the clouds puffy or light? Watch the clouds as they go by. This task may seem insignificant, but you have subconsciously brought your mind to the present.

2. Touch

Focus on the wind as it gently caresses your skin or the warmth of the sun as it makes a windy day slightly more bearable. Notice how just by acknowledging this everyday stimulus, you are now conscious of what is going on right now.

3. Hearing

Can you hear that child laughing? Or maybe the group of people over there in a deep conversation? Or perhaps it is just the sound of cars driving by? Whatever it is, breathe in, breathe out, relax and just listen. Did you realize that only by doing this you are conscious of your current state of being?

4. Smell

Be it the smell of the perfume of that random stranger that just walked by you or the smell of freshly baked pastries. Take time to acknowledge that smell, appreciate it for what it is and allow your mind to register it.

5. Taste

Now, this may be the “oddest” part. What did you eat this morning? Cereal, toast or maybe even eggs. Take time to savour the taste in your mouth; this is an quick way to bring your mind back from all those wondering thoughts and restore it to everything currently going on around you.

Conclusion

The use of your five senses is the easiest way to keep you grounded and aware of the present. Remember to take a deep breath in through your nose and out with your mouth to center your mind. This will consciously remind yourself to live in the present. A vital part of living in the now is allowing yourself to truly take everything in and appreciate it all.

Editor: Anisha Kalsi