Power of Presence

It’s important to live in the present moment. This is easier said than done. “Living in the present moment means letting go of the past and not waiting for the future. It means living your life consciously, aware that each moment you breathe is a gift.” Oprah Winfrey. Children are naturally present and in tune with the here and now. As an adult, we become bombarded with stressors of the to do list and our goals and the next best thing. This focus on the past or the future can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. Being present can help us to worry less, and keep us connected to our experiences and the people in our life. Of course, it is important to assess our past and plan for the future. Balance is key and the need to be present is a tool

add to our skill set.

One of the biggest gifts we can give to our children, friends, loved ones is to be present with them. To really listen, put away the phone, make eye contact, be curious, and hear what they are saying. It is being aware and involved in the present moment. The ability to be in the moment is a skill we can learn and practice. Some of the ways to do this is taking time each day to practice, start with a body scan and mindful breathing checking in to see how we are feeling, writing in a journal about our feelings, exercising, and engaging in nature walks. Be curious, engaged and present and see how it changes your relationships and outlook.