To quote the great novelist Leo Tolstoy, “There is only one time that is important: Now! it is the only time when we have power.” To build a purpose-driven life, we need to move forward. The power to move is in the present moment. The past is done, and the future has not happened yet, therefore we can only move in the present moment. To act with accuracy, we need to be mentally and emotionally present.
When we move in our lives without intention, we are not centered on our activities, disengaged from what is happening around us, we do things unsatisfactorily. This is when we make errors or say or do things we wish we had not.
So what do we do to teach ourselves the importance of being in the present moment? Russ Harris in his book, “Happiness Trap” invites us to practice mindfulness. He defines mindfulness as, “A set of psychological skills for effective living that involves paying attention with openness, curiosity, and flexibility.
Openness is noticing, allowing, and making room for the opposite of struggle.
Curiosity is to observe life like a curious child.
Flexibility is talking to someone at a Cafe, we want to focus on our dialogue. But if a smoke alarm goes off we want to move our attention to see what is happening.
One day during the week after I complete a cardio workout and stretching I do eight minutes of mindfulness. I lay on my back, glue myself to the floor, my legs spread out straight, and my arms lying next to my torso.
Sometimes I scan my body from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. The other exercise I use is to be aware of my breathing as I exhale and inhale. There are moments when my mind drifts to what I will eat that night or go over a conversation I had earlier in the day with a person. The key for me is to be kind to myself and bring my mind gently back to the present moment and complete my body scan or pay attention to my breathing pattern.
Mindfulness helps me to manage my fears, anxiety, and other emotions that are disruptive to my quality of life. I encourage you to be open and curious to start a practice of mindfulness if you have not already done so. This simple routine can be added to our Recovery Plans.
A resource you may find helpful on mindfulness is, “The Happiness Trap” by Russ Harris
Have a great day
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/