Present is a word everyone takes for granted. While everything in the world seems to be moving at a fast pace with all the evolving technology and places quickly changing, we need to make it a point to stop, breathe and live IN THE PRESENT.
"Accept --- Then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it... this will miraculously transform your whole life."
-Eckhart Tolle
So this is something I've discussed with several different people and it all kind of starts the same. Someone is complaining about this or that saying that something their plan didn't go the way they wanted or they say "I don't know what to do," because of plans changing. Well let me tell you something... The more expectations you have about ANYTHING the more disappointment you will have. No matter how much we sit and plan things out the way we want them to happen, situations will never fall through the way you expected them to. So my advice to you is just to take things as they come and roll with it. Live now. With whatever is going on in the present. Take it, accept it, live it and be happy. In case you don't know how to do that yet I'm going to break it down for you in steps.
1. Make plans, but don't have expectations
Plan things! Schedule meet ups with friends, days at the beach, time to work on school stuff, etc. But don't get caught up on trying to figure everything out before you're living it. Make plans, but let them pan out the way the universe wants them to. Thinking too hard about a situation can lead to having negative thoughts or actions that follow. This is no good. Instead, plan things out, but remind yourself that everything is going to work itself out for the better.
2. Roll with it
Accept whatever is there in the present moment. Like Eckhart Tolle said, "work with it, not against it..." Accept whatever the universe may throw your way and act like this is how you thought stuff would go. Take the punches and accept the things that are out of your control. Adapt.
3. Breathe.
Take a moment, wherever you are, and just breathe. Stop, look around you and just breathe. Sounds ridiculously easy, but just stopping to actually breathe makes you more present. And when you're able to stop and take it all in you'll realize life isn't so bad. Take a moment and just breathe in the present.
Another optional step PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN. This is obvi pretty hard for us millennials but when you put down your technology for a bit, you'll become more aware of the present moment. Don't get me wrong I'm on snapchat ANYTIME I'm anywhere cool, but I make it a point to put down my phone for at least an hour anytime I'm with someone or doing something. I'm learning to make this a habit so that I will be more present and aware. Awareness is key. Once you learn to appreciate and take in the present moment you will become more aware, not only of the situation you're in but of yourself and how you react to things. Living in the present will teach you to enjoy and appreciate your environment and your present and this overall will benefit your personal growth.
Living in the present sounds simple, but I know it can be hard. But once you learn to stop focusing on past or future and live in the now you'll live a much happier life. So do it! Do things you love, roll with the punches and breathe in the spectacular now. Life is good.
This will be on my list of books that are relevant to my blog but The Power Now by Eckhart Tolle is a really good read about living in the present and I recommend all you guys to check it out or even listen to the free audiobook on youtube.
Peace and Love,
Jaz
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