There are a lot of people in the world who always regret themselves what happened in the past and are concerned about what will happen in the future. Tom is one of these people. He always thinks about the past and worries about the future. So, because of that, he is never happy in his life.
Tom is a 25-year-old boy who has graduated from university recently with high scores and now he is working in a good company. He has been coping with anxiety and depression since his childhood.
Tom is looking for some solutions to cope with these problems. He visited a lot of doctors and psychologists, read different articles about this, asked about other people’s experiences, etc.
These days Tom finds out that maybe he becomes happier and less anxious by trying to live in present. He found this solution when he was watching his favorite childhood animation Kungfu Panda. He has watched it lately and paid attention to one dialogue that he never thinks about it.
The turtle in this animation said to the panda: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called a present.”
After seeing this saying, got it through his head that he is always worried about the past and future and one of the reasons he becomes anxious maybe is this.
So, Tom decided to get information about living in the moment.
He understood by living in the moment he can have greater control over his mind, body, and emotions and can control his stress better. By reducing stress and anxiety, he can avoid many of the associated health consequences, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.
Reasons to live in the moment
We all desire genuine happiness, and to manifest this joy we have to live presently. Too much focus on the future often leads to stress and negative thinking.
Here’re 3 reasons Tom gained by focusing on living in the moment, rather than planning too much for the future:
1. The present moment is the only moment you have control over right now
Tom discovered no matter how much he plans. He never knows for sure how life is going to play out. So, the only time he will know is when he is in that moment. He can choose to enjoy the moment or can choose to loathe the moment.
2. Each moment is a gift
There is no guarantee on the number of moments you will get to experience. This is extremely important to realize. No one knows when the next moment of their life is going to be taken away from them. He understood.
3. Living in the present will make you happier
Tom distinguished living in the present as one of the sure-fire methods he can adopt to manifest genuine happiness in his life.
Without delving into all the data and research that is available, it is being discovered that present living is one of the most influential keys to well-being.
How to start living in the moment
After he observed the importance and benefits of living in the moment, now Tom is seeking ways to help him live in the moment.
This young man practiced a lot of ways, and these are the most useful experiences that shared with us.
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Practice mindfulness
Living a consistently mindful life takes effort. Mindfulness is the only intentional, systematic activity that is not about trying to improve yourself or get anywhere else. It is simply a matter of realizing where you already are.
Tom found he can become mindful at any moment just by paying attention to his immediate experience.
He thinks of himself as an eternal witness and just observes the moment. It doesn’t matter how it feels—pleasant or unpleasant, good or bad—he rolls with it because it’s what’s present; he is not judging it.
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Real gratitude takes time
Gratitude is good medicine and is always time well spent. It helps relieve stress and build positive energy, and it gives us a great perspective on life.
So, every day he takes some time out to be grateful for what he has.
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Five deep breaths can help you think more clearly
He tries a practical method to be in the moment. In this way, he sets a timer for every 30 minutes. Whenever it pings, he stops what he is doing and takes five deep breaths down to his lower abdomen. He focuses on slowing the inhale and holding for a second at the top of the breath. Then makes a long, deep exhale. When he trains his body and mind to press pause and nourish his breath regularly, he feels calmer.
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Let go of unnecessary possessions
Tom says, “When you practice minimalism, it helps you to be present by getting rid of items associated with the past. You surround yourself more with what brings you joy right now, helping you stay more focused on the now.”
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Practice active listening
It’s something we all do when we’re listening to someone sometimes. We hear what they’re saying, but then we get lost in our thoughts.
He found he can be more present by actively listening to the people he is talking with.
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Take time for laughter
“Laughter has a way of taking us completely out of whatever thoughts we’re in. Take time for laughter by spending time with those closest to you that know how to get you to laugh. Watch something that you know you’ll find funny,” he said.
This is a great way to take yourself out of focusing on your past and your future and just enjoy the moment.
In conclusion, Tom figured out that the benefits of living in the moment are well within your reach, no matter how much your mind is racing. If you stick with these mindfulness practices, you too will learn how to live in the moment and stop worrying. When you do, a whole new world will open up for you like him.