The Gift of Being Present

Nov 18

In today’s world, the present moment is where the truth lies. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Be where your feet are,” but what does that truly mean? It’s about grounding your thoughts in the now. While it's easy for the mind to get anchored to past regrets or lost in future worries, staying present can profoundly transform your life and open your eyes to what is right before you, not letting your mind get too caught up in the way.

Most of us struggle with presence because modern life is built on perpetual motion. From constant notifications to a culture that glorifies the hustle, it’s no wonder that being in the moment feels like a luxury. Your mind is wired for survival, always searching for threats rather than savoring opportunities, which often leaves you anxious about what could go wrong instead of embracing what’s right here, right now.

IN TODAY’S GUIDE YOU’LL LEARN

Discover why staying present can bring you more peace and clarity in daily life.
Learn practical tips to break free from worry cycles and embrace mindfulness.
Understand how being in the moment strengthens resilience and reduces anxiety.

We have a question for you: How many times have you found lying awake at night, worrying endlessly about a situation, only to realize later that everything turned out fine? Yet, as soon as one worry resolves, another arises, pulling you into the same cycle of relentless anxiety. You worry, tire yourself out, and somehow make it through each time. Despite facing countless challenges, humanity has proven to be incredibly resilient. Our brains are literally wired to solve complex problems and endure hardships, empowering us to overcome even the toughest events.

Consider all the disasters and trials our ancestors faced throughout history. Bubonic plague, slavery, earthquakes, floods, etc. you name it and we still pull through every time. We’re here today because our ancestors survived, and their resilience lives on in us. Worrying endlessly doesn’t change outcomes or solve problems; it only pulls you away from the present and fuels anxiety about “what ifs.” Instead, focus on reminding yourself that, like those before you, you are capable of overcoming whatever comes your way.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

When you ground yourself in the present, you unlock a state of peace that neither the past nor the future can offer. Your body and mind can rest, recharge, and thrive. Living in the now doesn’t mean ignoring responsibilities but rather taking mindful action with clarity and intention. It’s about appreciating where you are and making deliberate, purposeful choices.

Imagine taking a walk in a park, really tuning into the feeling of the sun on your skin, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, the rhythm of your footsteps, and the pace of your heartbeat as you walk faster. These moments ground you. They provide a sense of peace you can’t find when you’re thinking about yesterday’s mistakes or tomorrow’s to-do list.

Being present also helps you to tune into your instincts and intuition. When your mind isn’t cluttered by regrets or anxieties, you can better connect with your true self and make choices that align with your authentic desires. You become more receptive to the simplicity life has to offer. We have overcomplicated life so much to the point that we overlook the simple things.

Why We’re Often Stuck Elsewhere

Ever felt your mind wandering to mistakes you made years ago? Or maybe you find yourself worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet. The brain has a knack for replaying old stories or crafting “what if” scenarios. It’s how our brains are wired. And society, especially in America, is built on a “go, go, go” mentality. Hustle culture perpetuates a myth: that your worth is tied to how busy you are, making it even harder to slow down.

It’s not just you. It’s everyone. Constant stimulation from news feeds, social media, and work emails has conditioned us to exist in a perpetual state of distraction. Our attention spans have become so fragmented that staying focused on the here and now feels unnatural. Yet, that’s exactly what our minds and bodies crave.

Consider this: When was the last time you truly did nothing? No phone, no multitasking, just existing in the present moment? It’s probably hard to remember. That’s because society rewards productivity over stillness. And while striving for achievements is commendable, it’s also vital to recognize the toll that constant busyness takes on your well-being. Your nervous system is in a state of overdrive, leaving you more prone to burnout, anxiety, and a lack of fulfillment.

That Darn Ego!

While the ego is only doing its job in keeping you safe and you should be happy that it does this, it can often make mistakes and make it harder for you to remain present. Your ego loves keeping you tethered to the past or future. It’s a survival mechanism, but it also robs you of contentment. Your brain is hyper-attuned to potential threats, making anxiety about the future feel more real than the opportunities that exist. The ego resists change and clings to familiar fears, reinforcing stories that no longer serve you.

Why does this happen? Evolutionarily, humans are wired to be on high alert for danger. It was a critical survival skill. But in today’s world, these perceived threats are often exaggerated or nonexistent, yet our brains react as though they’re life-or-death situations. The ego’s job is to protect you, but it doesn’t distinguish between actual and imagined dangers.

Take a moment to reflect on how the ego works. When you dwell on a past argument or a future financial worry, your body experiences a stress response as if those things are happening now. Your heart rate increases, and your muscles tense up. That’s the ego in action, keeping you from fully relaxing into the present. Don’t be too hard on it, it’s doing its job that best thing you can do is reinforce to yourself whenever you are high alert that you are safe, you are okay, and you will get through this.

Why Mindfulness is the Key

Mindfulness isn’t just a trendy term; it’s a game-changer for staying present. When you practice mindfulness, you strengthen your ability to redirect wandering thoughts, reinforcing a calmer, more centered state of mind. Mindfulness is about observation without judgment, which allows you to acknowledge and release thoughts that pull you out of the moment.

Start small with just ten minutes a day to be still. Whether it’s through meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a walk without distractions, these moments are powerful. In a world that demands constant attention, giving yourself permission to pause is a radical act of self-care.

Meditation, in particular, is a tool that can rewire your brain. Studies have shown that even short, consistent meditation sessions can reduce anxiety and increase gray matter in areas of the brain associated with emotional regulation. If sitting quietly feels daunting, try guided meditations or body scans. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to drop into the present.

Good thing we always know what you need!

Check out our guided meditations here.

Another simple yet effective mindfulness technique is body awareness. Take a few moments to notice the sensations in your body. Feel the ground under your feet, the rise and fall of your chest as you breathe. These tactile cues anchor you to the here and now, offering relief from racing thoughts.

The Downside of Not Being Present

When you dwell in the past, you cling to narratives that may no longer be true. It keeps you from evolving and creating new stories about who you are and who you can be. Living in the future, on the other hand, fuels anxiety, making it difficult to trust yourself and the decisions you make. Anxiety thrives on “what ifs” and erodes your capacity for joy.

Holistically, a lack of presence can negatively impact your relationships, self-esteem, and even physical health. Your body responds to the stress of not being present, affecting everything from your immune system to sleep quality. Chronic stress can lead to issues like digestive problems, fatigue, and even heart disease.

When you aren’t present, you also miss out on life’s meaningful moments. Imagine sitting with a loved one, but your mind is elsewhere. You miss the laughter, the connection, the true feeling of being alive. Presence allows for deeper connections, richer experiences, and a life lived with intention. It’s crazy when you take the time and think, just sit down and think about it, how we’re alive! Our heart beats for us, we have blood cycling throughout our body, and nerves wiring and signaling to our brain. We are truly ALIVE and with constant distractions we often overlook the magnificence and miracle of life itself.

The Transformative Presence Brings

Being present brings a sense of optimism, clarity, and renewed confidence. You become more adaptable and resilient. Catch your mind ruminating? Stop, redirect, and affirm a more positive story. This builds a feedback loop of self-trust and reassurance. When you make this a habit, you’ll notice a shift in how you handle challenges.

Presence allows you to show up more authentically, fully engaged in whatever you’re doing. It enriches your relationships and enables you to make thoughtful decisions. And perhaps most importantly, it teaches you to appreciate life’s simple, beautiful moments. Life slows down, and you start to notice things you never did before.

You’ll also notice an improvement in your mental health. Less anxiety, more joy. Less overthinking, more calm. You become more aware of the stories you tell yourself and have the power to rewrite them. This doesn’t mean you’ll never feel stressed or upset, but you’ll have tools to handle these emotions more effectively.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Presence

Start With 10-Minute Mindful Practices: Just ten minutes a day can make a difference. Try sitting in silence, focusing on your breath, or observing your surroundings without judgment. Set a timer if needed and commit to being fully present.
Meditate Daily: Meditation trains your brain to appreciate stillness. Access our guided meditations by clicking this link!
Practice Deep Breathing: Take slow, intentional breaths to calm your nervous system. This can help anchor you during moments of high stress. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for four. This breathing technique can instantly soothe an anxious mind.
Use Affirmations: Catch your mind when it starts spiraling. Replace anxiety-driven thoughts with affirmations like, “I am safe in this moment,” or “I have everything I need right now.” They can be powerful in shifting your mindset. Repeating affirmations may feel silly at first, but trust us they work with consistent use.
Disconnect to Reconnect: Limit your screen time. Consider setting boundaries, like phone-free zones in your home or turning off notifications for a few hours. Reconnecting with nature, even if it’s just stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, can ground you quickly.
Engage in Single-Tasking: In a world obsessed with multitasking, try focusing on one task at a time. Whether you’re eating, working, or spending time with loved ones, be fully present. This can be surprisingly hard but immensely rewarding.

By tackling these steps day by day, you can start to see how the best moment you can experience is the present one. Life is happening right here, right now, and this moment is truly all that’s guaranteed. By embracing where you are, you allow yourself to break free from the weight of the past and the uncertainties of the future. Taking a deep breath and grounding yourself in the present brings clarity, calm, and an opportunity to reconnect with what matters most.

Living in the moment doesn’t mean you’re ignoring challenges or forgetting your goals; it simply means approaching life with a centered mind and an open heart. Being fully present allows you to build resilience, appreciate life’s simple joys, and find peace even during difficult times. Each moment spent in the present is a chance to remind yourself of your strength, savor small wins, and find gratitude for what you have. So, as you go through your day, take time to pause, feel your feet on the ground, and cherish the moment in front of you. It’s a practice that, with time, can transform your entire outlook and deepen your appreciation for the journey.

Internal knows that the best investment in life is YOU!

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