Living in the Present – The Power of Staying Connected

Living in the present means being conscious and open to what is happening around and within you, as it is taking place. Relishing each moment allows you to expand its value.

Imagine if you embraced every moment, giving your full attention to what you’re doing or on each person you encounter. How different would it be if when someone says hello or shares a thought with you, your distractions were put to the side and you gave them you full attention?

But putting our distractions to the side can be challenging with all our technology and worry about the past and future. No wonder it’s so easy to slip into a state of disconnection. When we disconnect we become what I like to call mindless as opposed to mindful. It’s sort of like tunnel vision, where we become oblivious to anything outside of the tunnel.

The problem is that this kind of mindless disconnection can actually be insidious, easily pouring over into our normal day to day.

Have you ever been talking to someone, sharing something deep, and they stop and say, “I’m sorry, what was that?” Or worse, their cell phone rings or buzzes and they actually pick it up and either take the call or start texting while you’re talking. Oblivious to the fact that they just created a disconnection with you.

If you’re like most people, you might let it go a time or two, but after that it leaves a negative mark with you.

These moment by moment interactions tell people more about you than you might realize.

So what can you do to help yourself live in the present and stay mindfully connected?

One simple technique is to use a touchstone or a touchpoint. Pick an object or something you are wearing like a bracelet or a ring. Then touch the object and say“Now”. Each time you touch the object and say “Now” feel yourself reconnect to the current moment. Soon you won’t have to even say the word, just the touch will have the result of bring you back to the present.

Here are two from some of the leading transformation gurus:

1. Jack Canfield recommends focusing on your bodily sensations because its impossible to focus on two things at once. If you want to try it, focus on your righthand. What are you feeling, what is the sensation in your right hand? Spend a minute or two focusing on that sensation. If you were able to pay attention to your hand, you were absolutely present in that moment.

2. Deepak Chopra suggests focusing on your breathing. Taking a slow deep breath and holding it for a count of four and then release it for a count of four. This should help return you to a more balanced state.

Giving your attention is the greatest gift you can give someone and giving your attention to the present moment is one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself.

Susan Gonzales is a professional success coach, author and public speaker. You can learn more at her website – www.MakeItYourMark.com or email her at – susan@makeityourmark.com