4 Ways to Practice Being Present
It often feels like there are just not enough hours in a day and not enough days in a week to get things done. The 40-hour work week is a distant memory. We barely find the time for all of our chores and errands, let alone time to unwind with our family and friends.
We aim to make the studio a place where you can be fully present and tune out the noise from the outside world. You have probably heard us talk about yoga off the mat, and what we mean by that is taking the practice you learn inside of the studio walls and applying them to your everyday life.
You may find yourself asking how else can we become better at being more present and mindful in our everyday lives? It doesn’t require unplugging for an entire month, meditating for two hours a day or attending a silent retreat. Here are some of our favorite small, simple changes that you can take to practice living in the moment and being fully present.
Don’t reach for your phone
Picture yourself sitting at a stop light—do you immediately reach for your phone to pass the time? (It’s ok, we all do it). Next time you find yourself reaching for your phone at a stop light or riding an elevator, pause and take a few deep breaths to reconnect with yourself and be present in the moment. Enjoy the moment of peace rather than searching for a distraction.
Stop and smell the roses
No, seriously. Tapping into your senses is a great way to connect to the present moment and practice mindfulness. Make time to stop and smell the roses or practice tuning into the sounds of the present moment. Allow yourself to sit and observe your surroundings.
Press the pause button
We are often jumping from one task to another without letting ourselves feel a sense of accomplishment for completing something. Make a point to press pause after you complete something on your to-do list before jumping to the next bullet point on the list. It can be something as simple as sitting still with your eyes closed before you start your car. Next time you notice yourself feeling rushed, take a moment to slow down and live in the moment.
Check in with your body
An easy way to take a break from the noise throughout your day is to try a full body scan. Move your attention slowly through different parts of your body—start with the top of your head and move down all the way to your toes. Focus on different feelings—warmth, tension, tingling. This practice brings awareness to the body and also allows yourself to release tension before it builds up.
These examples are just a few ways to practice being present in your daily life. Next time you find yourself distracted, press pause and notice what is preventing you from being fully present. Take small steps as you practice being more present and mindful, and notice how you begin to find greater joy in all of your experiences.
Join us at the studio every Friday night for a meditation class! Each studio hosts a Friday Night Meditation Series, beginning at 6:30pm in Durham and 7:15pm in Raleigh. It’s the perfect way to wind down from a busy week!
Check out our Meditation for Beginners blog to learn our favorite tips for starting your mindfulness journey.