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How to Enjoy Life More by Embracing Presence
Feeling stuck in your head and missing out on life happening right in front of you? In this podcast we discuss the art of being present. Why it matters and real techniques to help you find presence to enjoy your life, right now.
The Struggle to Be Present
How often have you caught yourself thinking, I’ll be happy when… I land that dream job, buy the perfect home, find the perfect partner, or finally launch my business? If that rings true, you’re not alone. I think we all can get caught up and think if we can just get to that next thing, it will make us happy. In this episode we discuss just how we can enjoy our life right now, in the present.
What Does It Mean to Be Present?
Presence isn’t about forgetting the past or ignoring the future, instead, it’s the skill of anchoring your attention in the here and now. When you are present, all the worries of your busy life seem to melt away, and you can be fully locked in with whatever it is you are doing. Whether it’s a having coffee with a friend, working on a piece of writing, or taking an afternoon walk, these moments are much more enjoyable when you are present. It feels good to be fully present because you’re not distracted by all your thoughts and worries, you are just thinking about what it is you’re doing now.
Breaking the “I’ll Be Happy When” Trap
We often tell ourselves happiness is waiting for us in the next milestone. I challenge this narrative, and believe that postponing your happiness until a goal is reached only makes it harder to be happy once you actually do reach it. You will just pick a bigger goal to keep your happiness out of reach. True enjoyment comes from appreciating what you already have, no matter where you are or how imperfect your circumstances might seem. We don’t have to ‘make it’ to enjoy our lives. We can enjoy them right now.
Practical Ways to Find Presence
Becoming more present is easier said than done. Here are 4 techniques that have helped me reconnect with the present moment:
1. Deep Breathing:
When spiraling with thoughts, nothing is simpler than a series of slow, mindful breaths. Three deep inhales and exhales can calm your nervous system and gently return your awareness to the present.
2. Physical Grounding:
Try feeling the weight of your legs on the ground or noticing where your arms are resting. Noticing where you contact the earth can help to pull you out of your head and root you in your physical body instead of your mind.
3. Engaging Your Senses:
You can use your five senses to help you connect with the present. Things like music, smells, or even the feeling of the warm breeze can create a mindful moment and pull you back into the present.
4. Writing and Journaling:
Perhaps most transformative for me is journaling. When you feel stuck, writing out your feelings can help to trace them back to their source. Describing emotions, recalling what triggered them, and acknowledging why you think they linger, can help to untangle them. Unblocking this feeling can help to let it pass through you instead of keeping it stuck up in your head.
The Cost of Distraction: Missing Your Own Life
What is the cost of not being present? Missing out—sometimes entirely—on the joyful, fun, or meaningful things in life that happen right before us. Presence allows us to appreciate small pleasures, like good weather or quality time with a loved one, no matter what else might be going on.
Don’t ignore tough feelings; process them instead. Journal, reflect, breathe, and bring your mind back to your body and the present. We may not get it right every time, but working through discomfort is worth it for what it can give you. Ultimately opening the doors to real contentment and joy. Let presence be your pathway to finding happiness where ever you are in your journey.