Power of the Present

Ease your stress by coming into the moment

Every one has experienced what it is to be pulled in a zillion directions. In fact, it's pretty much a state of being for most of us. No matter what the day is made of, we're usually rushing from one thing to the next and madly multi-tasking as we go. It may feel productive, yet what's the emotional and mental toll, overall? After all, when you're living in ten places at once (most often past problems and what needs to be accomplished in the future), you're missing the only thing you've really got: the present moment. Over time, being pulled in many directions is stressful. When living under constant stress any setback can totally overwhelm you and set you spinning - even more out of the moment than usual. If you can find a way to center yourself however, even the most surprising changes will be less unsettling. The ideal time to get into the now is when you're not terribly stressed, but since those tranquil moments can be few and far between, your need for the now may not hit you until you're nearing the edge. When you're feeling like you're going to snap, it's time to literally take a step back, mentally and emotionally. There is almost nothing in this world that can't be experienced more easily, more fully, and less painfully by taking a moment to pause, breathe, and fully absorb it without attachment. For untold centuries, mystics from every spiritual and religious tradition have advocated a practice of turning inward as a way of managing the stresses and struggles of life. Essentially, the advice is always the same:

1. Close your eyes
2. Take a moment to focus on your breath
3. Notice your emotional and physical sensations
4. Let your focus return to your breath
5. Concentrate on breathing deeply (in through the nose, out through the nose or mouth - whatever's most comfortable
   for you.
6. Notice when your mind begins racing, note what you're thinking about let it pass
7. Return your focus to your breath
8. As thoughts arise, note them, and make a decision to
   let them go
9. Return your attention to your breath
10. Repeat, again and again.

Basically, it's meditation. And it may be the most de-stressing, re-centering activity you'll ever experience. Ah, but you wonder… when do I have the time? The answer is, you've got to make it - even if it's just ten minutes before you begin your day. Those ten minutes will wind up giving you infinite peace of mind by intimating you with your present. You will begin to actually experience your experiences rather than going through the motions while thinking about what you've got to do next. In the thick of your day, this can be shortened to simple deep breathing, and then being aware everything around you. When your mind is racing, one way to focus is to turn attention to your body. Observe the weight in your chair, or if you're standing, the feel of your feet on the floor, and you will have grounded yourself enough to focus on your breath. Take a few minutes at lunch (before you eat - waiting until after your meal may actually make you sleepy) and experience a reduction in your stress levels and an increase in your ability to cope with the day - even when it brings unfair or painful things your way. Getting into the now will deepen your appreciation of every moment of life. If you've ever seen footage of a guru, a holy man or the Dalai Lama, the most impressive thing about them is their intense focus on everyone they meet, on their surroundings and their clear energy. By remaining focused in the moment, they embrace life with all their energy and abilities are available to them. You can live that way, too. Need help finding your focus? Let one of our Psychic Advisors help. Call 1.800.572.7495 now!