What Does Being Present Mean?

As I walked this morning I focused on looking at trees and the lake.  I felt a sense of calm.  It was quiet and I could hear the sounds of the birds.  As I walked I was happy that I could be present to experience and feel the peace around me.

I say this verbiage “being present” and read it in articles and books.  It means something different to each of us.  Some people do not know or experienced what it means at all.  There was a time in my life I could not conceive of my mind being still at all.  I am glad I have the tools of hypnosis and 15 years of practice to support me on the journey of life.

It’s easiest to explain what not being present is.  When you are in your head all the time and thinking of what you have to do, worrying about things, then you are not being present.  When you are in your head it is hard to focus on conversations with others. The thoughts in your head distract you.   Anxiety and stress can be part of this.  Our hectic lifestyles, over scheduled days, and having too much on our plate blocks and overwhelms the mind.   There are times you need to plan and figure things out, but it should not be all the time.  Finding the balance of this and learning to let go of thoughts, refocus on the now allows you to be present.

It is not something that happens overnight.  It takes practice to add self-hypnosis, meditation, the breath, sound and music to soothe the overactive mind.  This gives a pathway to a quieter mind that can focus on conversations so you are present.  Focus, hearing others, joy and happiness get invited back into your life.  Relationships can improve when people feel they are heard and respected by your undivided attention.    

Being present means you can quiet the mind, let go of the distractions of life and focus on the walk, the beauty around you, the conversation, the task at hand.