Top 5 Ways to Become More Present

"Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." -Bil Keane

Each morning when I am getting my girls ready for school, I can't help but think about how quickly time has passed. It seems like just yesterday that they were babies. It is so important for me to treasure each and every moment I have with the girls, because it is in those magical moments that the best memories are made. Whether we're reading a book together or singing and dancing to our favorite songs, I make sure to treasure the time I have with the girls. They will be off and on their own before I know it.

 It is not always easy to live in the present moment. Lots of times we allow ourselves to live in a state of overwhelm and distraction, not even realizing we're doing it. We create a new normal that is anything but present. I'd like to share with you my top 5 ways to become more present in your life. Living in the present moment allows us to worry less and enjoy more. We are better able to find happiness and bliss when we pause for power and only deal with one present moment at a time. These 5 tips will help guide you back to the path of true presence.

Tip #1: Don't forget to breathe. When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment or two to focus on your breathing. Breathe in slowly through your nose, taking a nice, deep breath that fills the lungs. Slowly and in a controlled manner, blow the air out through your mouth, then repeat. This breathing technique helps calm the body, slow the heart rate, and bring you back to a state of relaxation and peace. Clear your mind and focus only on your breathing in this present moment.

Tip #2: Practice your downward dog. Yoga is a fabulous way to set the world aside and just place your focus on the present moment. Not only is yoga beneficial to your mind, the lengthening and stretching of the muscles releases stress and tension allowing you to relax. Any time can be yoga time.

Tip #3: Take some "me time" to meditate. Meditation has a slew of benefits, the main one being that it centers your mind and helps you focus on the present moment. Guided meditations provide visualization and breathing exercises that further your meditative experience. And if you think you have to have hours to meditate, think again. Taking as few as 5 minutes out of your day to meditate can have huge benefits to your overall well-being.

Tip #4: Put on the breaks and slow down. Ours is a culture of speed. How fast is your internet connection? Is your iPhone a 3G or a 4G? I say, "What's the rush?" So many times we find ourselves speeding down the road of life just to end up waiting at a stop light. Why not slow down and enjoy the ride instead? Take some time to read, journal, play a musical instrument, sketch...whatever it is for you that brings your soul peace. Being able to "check out" of life for just a little bit helps us focus on the present moment and treasure them a little more. Life becomes so much richer when we stop and smell the roses once in a while. This is why Pausing for Power is so important. Wouldn't you agree?

Tip #5: Show gratitude in all things. We see in comedy shows how the mom tells the child to eat their dinner because "...there are starving children in China who would love to have food like yours." Maybe your mom even used this line on you from time to time. Well as it turns out, mom wasn't all that off base. Her point was simple, be grateful for what you have because there are others in the world with much less. It really puts things into perspective when you pause to think about it. Showing gratitude in every present moment makes us consciously aware of the fact that, no matter what we have going on in our lives, somewhere someone is having a worse day than ours. We can be grateful for all we have and be present to that gratitude every day.

So there you have it. My top 5 tips for becoming more present in your life. What did you think? What are some ways you enjoy becoming present?

Thank you for being with me in this space and remember, today is a gift...that's why it's called the present.

Take a few moments to reflect on these thoughts, share and discuss this blog. Your insights could help another reader, so don't hold back, share the love. Tell me what you think. What were you present to when you read this article, Top 5 Ways to Become More Present? I am so honored that you spent time in this sacred space with me. You make a difference in the Universe, always remember that! Now don't hold back, speak your truth! The Universe is listening.....!

Namaste,

Richa xoxox