By Liz Gow
Magic Words Online Counsellor
Last month, my fellow Magic Words Counsellor, Kaylea Mitchell-Simon wrote a blog about creatively connecting with nature and the importance of being present with it too.
Being in the moment is for some not always an easy thing to do, there is noise externally or internally or both. It takes time and practice to be in the moment.
Giving ourselves permission to take time. To stop. Research states that those who live in the moment tend to be happier, calmer, and more appreciative. So why can this sometimes be so hard? Sometimes not being in the moment can be a way in which to avoid the difficult feelings, keeping busy to distract ourselves. Our bodies can hold the stress, presenting itself in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches and other aches.
Let us try to be in the moment.
I have a cup of tea; I am sitting with a blanket and enjoying the feeling of being warm and settled.
I have pressed pause on my thoughts and my tasks for the time being. They will still be there when I have had 10 minutes to be in this moment.
My phone is on silent as I need to be free from disruptions.
I will start by focussing on my breathing, I am inhaling for a count of 4…ready?
1, 2, 3, 4
And hold….and again.
1, 2, 3, 4
And exhale for 4.
1, 2, 3, 4
Repeat for 4.
This will hopefully be the first step in helping you to feel calm and regulate your autonomic nervous system, it can also be done easily and anywhere.
Body scans are a good way to check in with how you are feeling and to bring awareness to the present moment by being in tune with your body.
Sit back for a moment and focus on how your body feels. Continue to concentrate on your breathing.
Move your attention from your head to your toes, taking a mental note of any feelings and sensations.
Keep returning your attention back to the body when your mind begins to think about other things.
Body scans can help you to improve your focus, reduce stress and help you sleep.
Later, I will be writing a few words about my day. Thinking about what the day held, how I was feeling and why? What was challenging and what went well? This can help us to slow down and reflect on our emotions.
For now, our time together has come to an end, but going forward have a think about what being in the moment means to you, which parts of your life you would like to be more present in, would this be in your family relations, career, friendships, self-care? How might you be able to become more present?
Make time each day to practice one of the techniques that we have tried together. If you are finding it difficult ask yourself;
“What are you holding onto that’s holding you back?”
