Simple Presence

This writing is copyrighted and the exclusive work of Halli Bourne of True Self Wellness, LLC.`

The distinction between the past, present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion. ~Albert Einstein 

An unexamined past can keep us stuck in patterns of thinking and reactive behavior that limits the way we experience life. The future possesses a seductive lure that things will be better “if only…” and tempts us out of taking action that could change our life for the better. The present is the place of what is, where we can be in touch with our bodies, our thoughts, and the Truth of our unfolding experience. Dwelling in the present builds a platform for creation and teaches us how to access the sweetness of what life is offering, no matter how it appears.

Try these four simple tips for cultivating present-moment awareness:

• Deepen your breath. Recognize as often as possible how deeply you are breathing. Especially when you become aware of a feeling of stress, deliberately deepen your breath. Deep breathing soothes the nervous system and can arrest negative thinking.
• Witness your life. Recognize when you have become lost in your thoughts and pull back to observe what you were just thinking. Be curious. Over time, you will notice habitual patterns of thinking. Consider the possibility of changing your mind.
• Limit multi-tasking. When we are doing more than one thing at a time, our minds literally become fragmented and then we are not fully present for any singular task. As much as possible, notice when you are multi-tasking, choose one task to focus on at a time, and experience the wonder of focused attention.
• Tune into your senses. When you find yourself idle, such as sitting at a stoplight or standing in line, notice the sounds, the smells, the sights, the physical feelings present in your body. There is always something worthwhile to notice and appreciate.

For more on how present-moment awareness can enrich your life, contact Halli for a free 30-minute consultation for True Self Coaching at trueselfcoaching@icloud.com or call (505) 249-4981.