Everything that happens takes place in the present moment. Yet we are often so preoccupied with our stories about the past or the future, our regrets, our worries, or even our victories and hopes, that we miss this moment. We miss this moment. The time where everything happens.
The quickest paths to the present moment I have found are sensation and breath. The sensations of your body are the five senses - sight, smell, taste, touch, sound. Thoughts are the sensations of your mind, and emotions are the sensations of your heart. Just taking time to take a couple of deep breaths and notice the sensations you're experiencing in your body, the thoughts in your mind or the emotions on your heart brings you into this moment.
One thing that can make a huge difference in our ability to notice sensations is slowing down. Slowing movements seems particularly effective, as we often rush from one place to another at a breakneck pace. I invite you to try this experiment: As you drive to or from work the next time, notice what you see in the couple of blocks nearest your house. Stay present and aware of your driving as you drink in every sensation you can. Then travel that same couple of blocks on foot, and notice what you see.
When I do this experiment, I notice more colors, plants, animals, and changes in terrain when on foot than I do in the car (not to mention the smells and sounds). And if you think it has to do with your feet on the earth more than the speed, you can try the same experiment running or riding a bike versus walking, or even walking slowly versus quickly.
Keep in mind, there's no way to mess this up, and you can't "get it right" either - it's simply an exercise in slowing down and noticing what you notice... in the name of being fully present.
I'd love to hear what you notice. Please post your experiences in the comments.
Here's to the power of sensations and this moment!
Jena
The quickest paths to the present moment I have found are sensation and breath. The sensations of your body are the five senses - sight, smell, taste, touch, sound. Thoughts are the sensations of your mind, and emotions are the sensations of your heart. Just taking time to take a couple of deep breaths and notice the sensations you're experiencing in your body, the thoughts in your mind or the emotions on your heart brings you into this moment.
One thing that can make a huge difference in our ability to notice sensations is slowing down. Slowing movements seems particularly effective, as we often rush from one place to another at a breakneck pace. I invite you to try this experiment: As you drive to or from work the next time, notice what you see in the couple of blocks nearest your house. Stay present and aware of your driving as you drink in every sensation you can. Then travel that same couple of blocks on foot, and notice what you see.
When I do this experiment, I notice more colors, plants, animals, and changes in terrain when on foot than I do in the car (not to mention the smells and sounds). And if you think it has to do with your feet on the earth more than the speed, you can try the same experiment running or riding a bike versus walking, or even walking slowly versus quickly.
Keep in mind, there's no way to mess this up, and you can't "get it right" either - it's simply an exercise in slowing down and noticing what you notice... in the name of being fully present.
I'd love to hear what you notice. Please post your experiences in the comments.
Here's to the power of sensations and this moment!
Jena
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