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Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry are all forms of fear caused by too much future and not enough presence. Guilt, regret, grievances, sadness, bitterness and all forms of non-forgiveness are caused by too much past and not enough presence ~ Eckhart Tolle

Making our way into the present moment from our journeys into the past and future is an act of supreme will that requires vigilance at first. But if we learn to practice being present to every moment of our breathing life, it becomes a familiar response that can radically change our experience and let us off the hook of wasted emotions that serve to keep us stuck.

Here are a few tips to keep you in the present moment and keep in mind that your breath can be the simple yet powerful tool to help you succeed:

• Let go of the past –realise that every experience is a learning event not an indictable offence.
• Unhook from worry about the future – let your breath and meditative practices quiet the thoughts that rob your attention to being with ‘right now’.
• Focus on whatever you are doing fully and completely – if you are walking, notice the sights, sounds and feel of your feet on the path.
• Become the unselfconscious participant in activities – silence your own self-critical evaluation by focusing only on what you are doing.
• Appreciate moments – make time every day for quiet moments, lift your face to the sun’s warmth, become part of a beautiful piece of music, savour the smell and taste of delicious food.
• Follow Your Breath – your breath is by its nature a present moment reality. Focusing on the in breath and out breath immediately invites attention to the now.
• Lose track of time – Define your goals and become fully absorbed in them. Focus only on the next step regardless of what else is going on around you.
• Cultivate Beginners Mind – become mindful of your surroundings and challenge yourself to notice something new even in familiar places and situations.
• Embrace ‘Nothing Next’ –become the witness of your life without any need for the next thing. Simply allow each moment to exist.
• Use your voice to remind you to be present – find affirmations to keep you aware of what is in your momentary field of view.

Breathe, be present , be well,

John