One of the greatest challenges that human beings face is to focus their attention on the present moment. Often, we are physically present but our thoughts are central stage, taking our awareness into the past or into the future. When our thoughts control our experience, we become disconnected from the magic of life.
Imagine what it would be like if you could become more aware of your moment to moment existence? How much more satisfying would your life be if you learned how to practice being wherever you were? So often we can become stuck in doing mode with our minds jumping from task to task and at the end of the day we may not remember engaging in the events of our lives.
Practicing mindfulness allows us an opportunity to connect open heartedly with whatever is in front of us. When we approach the present moment with a friendly and compassionate awareness we allow our experience of life to become central stage. We improve our connection with other people and within ourselves. The more we make the time to practice mindfulness, the more space we create between life’s triggering events and our habitual reactions. As we breathe into each moment and make space for our whole experience, the mind loosens its grip and the stories we tell ourselves lose their power over us.
The benefits of a mindfulness practice are priceless and easy to incorporate in daily life. In the words of Sharon Salzberg, “If you can breathe, you can meditate!” So, make a commitment to practice mindfulness regularly everyday. The change that the world needs begins with you!
Tanya Gabriel, MA, LMHC provides affordable counseling and mindfulness instruction. She is passionate about teaching present moment awareness to her community.