“We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
After a long day at work, I inevitably hop into my car and drive home. With the radio playing or my iPod buzzing, I find myself pondering various thoughts. Yet, as I arrive in my driveway, I can’t help but wonder, “How did I get here so quickly?” My 30-minute commute felt like a mere 5-minute ride. This realization can be unsettling; I was so lost in thought that I didn’t even notice my arrival.
During that drive, I might have been contemplating dinner, planning my tasks for the next day, or even replaying moments from work that concerned me. If you can relate, you likely find yourself in conversations where you suddenly ask, “Wait, what? Can you repeat that?” because your mind was elsewhere.
Life has a way of streaking by. Often, we find ourselves fretting about the future or dwelling on past experiences. While it’s natural to think about these times, we must remember that the past is unchangeable, and the future is beyond our control. So why do we invest so much energy worrying about them?
If we aren’t mindful, life can easily slip through our fingers while we drift off into our thoughts.
HOW TO EMBRACE THE PRESENT AND BE MINDFUL
MINDFULNESS BELLS
My favorite method for grounding myself in the present moment is through “mindfulness bells.” These can be anything—a specific color, sound, or even a number. Whenever I encounter these reminders—a glimmer of sunlight hitting my keychain or the unexpected clatter of dropped keys—I ask myself, “What am I doing right now? Where are my thoughts wandering?” This practice is a fantastic way to cultivate presence.
FOCUS
Practice being present by focusing on your breath, the surroundings, and your sensory experiences. When you’re with friends or family, set aside your phone and truly listen. In today’s world, distractions are abundant, and often, while we may physically be with our loved ones, our minds are elsewhere. Instead of passively engaging, immerse yourself in the conversation—observe their expressions and savor the connection.
DO ONE THING AT A TIME
Multitasking is something I often mention, primarily because I grapple with it too. However, I’ve learned that focusing on a single task leads to better results and efficiency. When you eat, simply eat—no distractions. Whether gaming, working, tidying up, or enjoying a cup of tea, aim to concentrate on one activity at a time. For more insights, you can explore this article on Zen Habits.
SEE THINGS WITH NEW EYES
In our pursuit of ambitions, we often forget to appreciate our progress. When I find myself overly fixated on future goals, I take a step back and aim to see my surroundings as if it were for the first time. I acknowledge my growth and the daily joys—like my excitement upon waking that starkly contrasts with the struggle I faced years ago. I watch my siblings conversing and reminisce about their births. As I sip my morning tea in the backyard, the vibrant melodies of chirping birds fill the air.
How did I overlook them before?
By becoming attentive, you’ll start recognizing the simple, yet magical aspects of life that have always been around you.
PRACTICE
Cultivating presence isn’t always straightforward, and it may feel a bit foreign initially, which is why practice is essential. Techniques like “mindfulness bells” can help. Personally, I enjoy being mindful through everyday tasks, such as washing dishes or folding laundry. The warmth of freshly dried clothes, their pleasant aroma, and their soft texture become delightful experiences when I focus completely on them without racing toward my next obligation.
Finding joy in these simple moments is truly possible.
There’s a magic in being fully present—when your mind is free of judgment and tension, focused solely on the moment. Without the weight of the past or the anxiety about the future, it’s clear: all we truly possess is now.
