3 Ways To Live In The Now

The whole concept behind living in the now is that letting go of the past and present will awaken your soul and allow you to let go of worry, find true peace and happiness, and really live. Ever since I read Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now (which we did a Bldg 25 Blog book club on earlier this year), I’ve been making a conscious attempt to live in the moment every single day. It certainly takes a lot of effort and consistent motivation, but I can definitely feel myself getting there little by little, and it’s extremely rewarding. There are so many things you can do every day to slowly train yourself to live in the now, and I urge you to try out each one that I’m describing today, just to see how it makes you feel.

Pay attention to your breathing. Because breathing comes so naturally, it’s often something that we tend not to think about. Breathe slowly and deeply, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Being mindful of every breath helps to pull you back into the present moment, leaving you feeling grounded and calm. Every day, make an effort to spend a certain amount of time focusing on your breathing – even if it’s just one full minute. Choose a specific time or activity during which to do this, so that it becomes a positive habit. Maybe pay attention to each breath as you enjoy your tea each morning, or do so as soon as you get into bed each night. There are many benefits to being mindful of your breathing, and you can read about them here.

breathing quote

Notice the little things. Life these days is filled with constant stimuli. Everywhere we look, something seems to be flashing in front of our faces, and sometimes the only way we know how to deal with it is by becoming slightly numb to it all. Instead of trying to take it all in, or possibly blocking it all out, choose little details to study. Maybe it’s a tiny piece of thread dangling lightly from your dress. It could be a drop of water on a blade of grass; a granule of sugar on a café counter; a dimple on a stranger’s face. Paying attention to small things that may otherwise go unnoticed will help you to feel more connected to your surroundings – and to yourself, as well.

Plants on cement

Little gold triangle

Do small things with great love. This is one of my favorite quotes. It’s short and simple, yet holds so much wisdom. Similar to taking note of the little things, do little things with a lot of thought. Be all there as you pick up a pen, remove the cap, place it beside you, and begin to write. As you pull your hair into a ponytail, feel the strands between your fingers. Pay attention to the way you wrap the hair tie around your hair. Do it slowly and carefully. Be proud of what you’re doing. Oftentimes we become so wrapped up in what we are going to do, that we forget to fully experience what we are doing. The next time you do something, anything at all, be all there as you do it. You might be surprised to learn a thing or two about your natural movements, too.

Girl holding avocado

Macrame and charms

Putting these three ideas into action can dramatically change the way you view your life and the world around you. My advice is to go back and read this post one more time – and this time, be fully aware. Try not to question the words you are reading or think about them too deeply. Just let them flow through you and see how they make you feel. For me, even reading about living in the moment helps me to live in the moment. I can only hope it’s the same for you. If you’ve achieved a state of being truly in the present, please feel free to share your experience or offer any advice. Being present is a beautiful thing, and being present together is even more beautiful.

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Liz
10 years ago

This is one of my favorite posts of all time. I know it sounds weird, but I totally use my dog as inspiration for living in the now. Think about it: little things don’t bother them! She is just happy she has a place to sleep. She is having fun RIGHT NOW chewing on that bone – not wondering what time dinner is going to be or how much she is going to get. I know it’s silly, but her cute pitbull face only cares about loving what she is doing at this very moment – and nothing else. It’s a beautiful thing to see in a world where all we seem to focus on are problems.

http://lamentinglizzie.blogspot.com
http://smellthetoffee.com

Anais Bokanovsky
10 years ago

When I wash the dishes, I love to take my time and enjoy the sensation of soap and water on my hands, and maybe it sounds stupid but I find it rewarding when all the dishes are nice and clean! I think it’s an example of living in the now…

10 years ago

I always feel I’m in the now when I’m working on an art project or just taking time for myself. Sometimes it’s hard to step away from what you feel like you “should be” doing, but it’s always worth it. I also teach yoga, and I feel that taking a gentle/restorative class is also a perfect way to bring yourself into the present moment <3 There is always time!
xoxo Annejelina

Visit my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrownofCreationShop

Sis
10 years ago

wow! im so speech less. this post blew my mind!
i need to live in the now. keep on the good work!

10 years ago

If you look close enough there’s a story in the everyday! Life doesn’t live up to the movies, its better! ♥

10 years ago

Oh wow, this is definitely one of my favorite posts ever. Speechless! This is so beautiful.
xo, Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InfiniteStyleShop

Anonymous
10 years ago

Yay needed this NOW… Thank ya

Kat
10 years ago

Bought this book after reading this post last night. Can’t wait to check it out!

10 years ago

a beautiful post. i try to take my time on all of my actions to make sure i truly feel and understand what i’m doing. sometimes it irritates people, but i find it rewarding.

Tori
10 years ago

I read Tolle’s A New Earth and it changed my life. Thank you for such a wonderful post. Being reminded to be here now is the greatest gift.

Much love, http://www.myomlife.com/

Jennifer
10 years ago

I LOVE this post! Thank you so much for sharing. In the last couple of years, I have found myself overwhelmed with everything to the point of numbness like you mentioned. It is hard to enjoy this very moment when you are dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. I have found that something that really helps me to live in the moment is Gratitude, even in the smallest things. Just acknowledging our thankfulness for the simple things has really opened my heart and eyes to the world around me.

I also started reading a book called “1000 gifts by Ann Voscamp”…..WONDERFUL! I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in learning to live “in the moment”