Stay present moment focused

As humans, we cannot help but make plans. Indeed it seems deeply ingrained in our thought patterns. I am sure on some biological evolutionary level; good planners lived longer. Good planners probably got their genes in the deep end of the gene pool. While less studious planners probably froze and starved to death.

The problem with us modern humans is planning seems to have become an obsession that distracts us from our actual lives. We are so busy planning and so busy scheming for the future that we often forget to stop and enjoy the beautiful things right here, right now. When intently focused upon living from one want to the next, we fail to see that life serves exactly what we need. 

John Lennon had a similar thought pattern when he wrote;-

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

John points out the same perplexing pattern that we as humans are guilty of, so committed to living in the future that we may even never visit. Life is not happening in the future; it is happening right now. God, the Universe, fate; whatever you think the source of ‘big life events’ are, I am sure it does not give a stuff about your plans.

There will be deaths. Unexpected babies are going to be born. Love is going to come into and out of our lives as it pleases. Sure we can plan our finances. We can plan our exercise routine. We might even be able to plan the odd childbirth. But for the most part, the big stuff of life is happening when we are busy planning the superficial shit.

So I am not saying forget the plan altogether. Not having a plan around health or finances or your career can lead to bigger problems. No, we need to plan a little around this stuff. I want you to remember that the most sacred things in your life, the stuff that matters, is likely happening on a level well outside the ‘wanting’ and ‘planning’ part of your mind.

Here are a few ideas I have found that help with keeping me present, in the here and now:

1. Spend time with people you love. A loving partner, a good friend, your parents, your siblings, your kids. A beautiful meal in or out. A board game. A trip to the park (even the big kids can love this). A bounce on the trampoline. It doesn’t matter what you do, the point is that these seemingly insignificant moments are often when we tend to be present. We enjoy their company and are focused upon them and the time, leaving no space to get all caught up in the planning and thinking. Indeed, a life spent with loved ones doing lovely things, seems like a good life to me. 
2. Find a practice that you enjoy and which keeps you grounded in the present moment. It could be gardening or surfing or playing music. It does not matter what you do, so long as you enjoy yourself, and it requires a relative level of presence to complete. I often say that my modest berry garden is somehow connected to my mind. When it looks nice, my mind feels clear. In reality, the berry garden looks good when I spend time in it. My mind is clear when I spend time quietly planting, weeding, and watering my garden. Find something you love to do and do it regularly.
3. This might freak a few people out, but the results are undeniable. Take up a formal mindfulness practice such as meditation, yoga, tai chi and/or prayer. I know what you are thinking, that it’s all some new-age hippy rubbish. Well, the thing is, these practices are not actually new. In fact, they are very old. Anything that stays around in human culture for the length of time these practices have, means they most definitely work. If you are yet to practise any of these with regularity, well, you are in for an exciting experience. Set yourself a challenge to follow a simple practice for 15 minutes, every day for 21 days. Do some research and find something that is achievable and you have faith in. You will be amazed at the results.
4. Last but not least is, do less drugs. I know a few readers might be saying, “this does not apply to me; I have never taken drugs in my life”. That is probably not true. We are a society that loves drugs. Caffeine is the world’s most widely used drug, followed closely by alcohol. The very nature of legal or illegal drug-taking is that they change how you experience the world, mainly making it harder to be present and moment focused. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good coffee in the morning, and I enjoy the occasional glass of red wine with a meal. There have even been health benefits associated with modest red wine drinking and caffeine consumption. Whatever your poison, moderation is key. A little might be fun and even good for you. Too much will have you disconnected from the authentic version of yourself.

The more present you can be, the happier you will be and the more you will enjoy your life. This is a great life, and I am sure there are beautiful and amazing people in your life, don’t let yourself miss another moment of your time with them — all the very best in your pursuit of Better Life Living.