How much of your day do you truly spend in the present moment? Once your alarm rings, does your “to do” list start running through your mind? Do you find yourself scrolling endlessly on the phone throughout the day?  Does your mind always seem on the go?  These are all signs that you might need to spend more time truly in the present moment. 

When we lose connection to the present moment we slowly take circuits “offline” in our bodies. Our sense of embodiment really is dependent on our ability to sense and feel things moment to moment.  When something is upsetting to you, rather than replaying it over and over in your mind (which is living in the past or trying to predict the future), try tuning into the body and notice where you are feeling it AT THAT MOMENT. If it’s in the mind, it’s in the body.  You must “feel to heal” as my mentor, Dr. Darren Starwynn says.  Pay attention to the sensations that you feel in the present moment. It’s different for everyone. Do you feeling a rush of energy in your heart? To you feel some aching, tingling, or other sensation in the body? Notice it. Squeeze the muscles around that sensation, then let go, and breathe into it. This sends the signal to your brain that you recognize the sensation of being upset. This more quickly helps it to release from the body, calm the mind, and build circuitry all at the same time.

        Here are some techniques that will help you stay in the present moment more often. This will keep your mind more at rest and it calms the nervous system, which is the foundation for healing. The first two are by Dr. Sue Morter, author of the Energy Codes.  

1)  How long can you stay in the present moment first thing in the morning? Try not immediately think about everything you need to accomplish for the day. This can raise your blood pressure and start your day with anxiety. Just “be” for as long as you can. Slowly increase that time with more practice. If you have a dog or cat at home, use them as inspiration. They are completely in the present moment. Experience things as they are happening. Be the observer.

2)  Look at an object in front of you. Study it intently. Look at all of the details: the color, texture, the shape, etc. Now look at that same object with an awareness that you’re inside of yourself looking out at the object. Feel the difference? You want to go about your day like this. It keeps more of your energy intact instead of sending it out to the world. When we send too much of our energy out of our bodies day after day, we end up depleted, disconnected, and burnt out. 

3)  When talking to a stranger, really look into their eyes. Be completely present and engaged. Notice how if feels to connect with someone else. So often we interact with people without really engaging with them. So next time you grab that coffee from the barista or you’re at the checkout counter interact with them.  Notice what they do. Do they look away or engage with you?  Maybe you just brightened their day by making a connection. That can go a long way and they just might pass that friendly energy along to the next person. 

        There was a very long period of my life (about 20 years) where I was on the go constantly, sending my attention and energy onto other people and things. I felt like if I didn’t have at least 30 minutes to sit down and relax by watching tv, I would burst. Knowing what I know now, this was clearly a signal that my body was communicating to me.  I was disembodied (despite being a professional dancer), and was completely depleted by the end of the day. Then I would spend time relaxing with another activity that took me out of an embodied state…the TV. Hey, who doesn’t love a great show to binge watch, right? However, if you’re using it to “unwind” from an already stressful day, perhaps try spending a little time meditating beforehand.  This can help create that sense of embodiment and give you additional benefits which include reducing stress & anxiety. It promotes emotional health, increases attention span, reduces age-related memory loss, generates kindness, improves sleep, and more.

        Since applying those 3 techniques, I no longer feel like I need crucial time to unwind.  I’m still very busy, but the state at which I operate is completely different. I make a point to consciously breathe and will notice quickly if I’m not–for me it’s a sign that my mind is over-active.  I’ve become much better at being in my body as I look through the lenses of my eyes.  I believe this keeps me feeling grounded. I’ve noticed that my ability to stay relaxed and calm (even when others around me are not) has improved.  I feel more energetic and therefore happier throughout the day. All of this can be contagious to those around you. In these modern times when everyone is over-worked and over-stressed, why not try these techniques? It can improve your life, the lives of those around you, and change our perspective on our place within the world.