There are brief moments when time decides to slow down long enough for us to realize how quickly it is passing us by. It seems that we are either trying to catch up to time or waiting for time to catch up to us.
Things move so quickly it feels like we are always behind. Either stuck in the past or unready for the future, we try desperately to catch up to time. The alternative is that we are so stuck in the next moment, the upcoming week, or simply the future. We eagerly anticipate everything that is awaiting us so much so that we are impatiently waiting for time to catch up to us so we can move on.
However, both scenarios cause us to dismiss the current moment. Something I have been actively trying to do more of is being present. Whether it is a mundane moment (like sitting in an uneventful class with a monotoned professor) or traveling to three countries in three days, I am trying to be present wherever I am.
So if you're anything like me and want to make more of an effort to savor the moment, here are five ways I've found to be helpful:
1. Disconnect to connect.
The plus side to rarely having WiFi in Europe (and believe me there aren't many plus sides) is that you're forced to disconnect. I have experienced some terrific conversations with people I barely knew or complete strangers all because I didn't have my head buried in my phone. To me, the best way to be fully present is not being distracted by incoming texts, notifications, or scrolling through feeds. It's amazing how much you can connect to the current situation without being on your phone.
2. Take a "mental snapshot".
If you've ever seen The Office, there's an episode when Jim and Pam take mental snapshots of their wedding day (spoiler alert, the two were meant to be together). When they experience a moment they know they don't want to forget, they take in as many details as possible and take a picture of the moment with their mind. Taking a mental snapshot really puts you in the moment and forces you to be present. Not only that, but it allows to you appreciate the fact that this moment is something you're going to remember.
3. Revel in the little details.
Similar to the mental snapshot, this one requires more active thinking and the engagement of your senses. When you want to be present, you need to take in all of your surroundings. Whether it is the sweat rolling down your face from walking up the CCB stairs to the ocean view, or a simple breeze on your face while walking down the street, take in every little detail that you can. Focus all of your attention on whatever it is in front of you. Appreciating the little things around you causes you to be present right then and there.
4. Remind yourself that you won't be able to relive this moment.
It's definitely easier said than done but it's a critical thought to have in order to be present. Appreciating any moment to its fullest is a difficult task. However, the reminder of not being able to redo this moment helps bring you to the here and now.
5. Be at peace.
In my mind, being present is strongly linked to being at peace. When we're in any particular moment, it's effortless to get distracted. However, forgetting about the surrounding chaos and whirling thoughts in our minds helps us find a solitude wherever we are. Being present involves taking in and acknowledging everything around us. This involves not worrying about the rest of the world. Forget about the past, don't worry about the next moment, day, future and just be present.
