5 Ways To Be Present
- Brainz Magazine
- Dec 13, 2024
- 5 min read
Written by Tanya Tsikkos, CEO
Tanya Tsikkos is an innovative jewelry designer who promotes mental health and well-being. COVID-19 left her with emotional challenges, and she found a way to cope and to improve her mental health with her jewelry creations and empowering messages.
Appreciate the current time and pay attention to today. Be mindful with your actions and open up a world full of gratitude, happiness, and pure joy.
As I’m writing this, my mind is firing off all over the place with other thoughts and ideas being added to the queue of things to do. I am realising just how ‘not present’ I currently am. Please forgive me. Now back to the matter in hand!
The present is exactly how it sounds; it is a gift. To be in the now is all we really know, and it’s a privilege to be in it. Yet so many of us take it for granted. Not meaning to of course. But, when you become aware of the fact that you are missing it, then you can start to cherish it and really live in it.
Let us explore these quick and simple ways to basking in the glory of the moment:
One thing at a time
How many people, do you think, are multitaskers? I am hazarding a guess here, but I reckon about 80-90% of us (in other words, the majority) are guilty of juggling a multitude of tasks all at the same time. This is definitely not the best way of being in the moment, as it clutters your mind and forces your brain to keep all those balls (you are juggling) in the air!
Focus your mind on a task at a time. Being present is all about concentrating on one thing as you are doing it, fully engaging in the activity, and giving it your all. Live in your moment. Take in every aspect of that moment. Whether it’s a task or a social meeting, the best way to being present is when you envelop yourself with all the pieces of that moment.
I met up with my sister for lunch a couple of days ago and it took every ounce of willpower for me to leave my phone in my handbag (not on the table in full view, like I normally do) so I could totally give this lunch meet up my full attention. We sat for an hour and a half laughing and reminiscing together, and we thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. I wasn’t lost in my world of checking emails and panicking about the next job on my list of ‘to-dos.’ No. I was there, fully aware and feeling blessed for this special moment in time that I cannot get back.
Remember to take note of everything you do and do it purposefully!
Take a moment to pause
Slow the pace down a little and start noticing life as it is now. Ground yourself with intentional practices that instantly calm your senses, bringing equilibrium into your mind, body, and soul. A deep breathing exercise for example can help centre your emotions and feelings of overwhelm.
Establish routines that will allow you to reduce the mad rush of life in your corner of the world. Set boundaries, prioritise workload, and be committed to simplifying your time so you can be more present.
Accepting your limitations gives you time to think and helps you to connect with today.
The quality of your experiences is so much more enhanced when you take a more relaxed approach, meaning you can engage better in what is currently happening in the here and now.
Reduce unnecessary (unwanted) distractions
Don’t be tempted to take your phone with you wherever you go. For instance, if you are having a bath your phone can stay on your bedside table until you finish, or if you are eating breakfast, don’t be tempted to do it with the accompaniment of the TV. Try to sit in the moment and notice the activity you are involved in. Enjoy being present without any external distractions interfering with the now.
I always make a conscious effort to put my phone into ‘do not disturb’ mode whenever I take my dog for his daily walk. This enables me to embrace my time with him, to take in the comfort of nature, and to allow all my senses to fully participate with the world around me in the current moment.
Be more accepting
When we are more accepting of the things we cannot control, it allows us to be more present and embrace life as we see it. With acceptance comes an understanding of letting go; letting go of the thoughts we have of how things should be; letting go of the feelings of what we believe is missing from our life.
It is when we step back for a moment and really look at our life as a whole that we can see the bigger picture. Being present means to notice what you have and who you are in this moment, and to feel a sense of stillness and peace around that truth.
Surround yourself with goodness
Positive vibes, positive people, and positive things improves the quality of today and lifts you up at the same time.
When you surround yourself with supportive and uplifting elements, you create an environment for mindful approaches to life. This will help to keep you present and to make your moments count.
Other people’s positivity is contagious and will keep the flow of focus in you, making you stop in the now, and helping you to forget your past and future worries.
So, what are you waiting for? Start allowing yourself to be more open to life’s pleasures. Start becoming aware of the time you have now. Start feeling the benefits of living in the present. After all, it’s the gift that keeps on giving!
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Tanya Tsikkos, CEO
Tanya Tsikkos is an innovative jewellery designer who promotes mental health and wellbeing. COVID-19 left her with emotional challenges, and she found a way to cope and to improve her mental health with her jewellery creations and empowering messages. She has since dedicated her life to helping others to always feel good and empowered . She is the CEO of EntityUK, an online fashion jewellery company, that combines jewellery with empowerment in each design. Her mission: To inspire, uplift and empower all, to live their best lives, with confidence and style!
