It’s a struggle most of us face every day—to be fully present in every moment. Because the average person has between 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts racing through their mind from when they first awaken to when they close their eyes at night, staying present can seem like a daunting task. Despite these challenges, it is possible to live in the here and now as often as we can.
“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.”
—Abraham Maslow
There are several ways to train our minds to stay in the present that include meditation, journaling, yoga, and prayer. Yet sometimes we are not in a place where it is effective to utilize these practices.
The practice detailed below, easily implemented anywhere, can help you rely on the five senses to gently move your mind back into the present moment.
When you feel yourself living in the past or the future, stop what you are doing and ask yourself the following five questions.
In this moment ….
What do I hear? (this may be the sound of birds chirping, the clicking of your fingers on a computer keyboard, or a car speeding past)
What do I see? (this may be photos on a wall, your co-workers, or a flickering candle)
What do I smell? (this could be coffee brewing, the fresh air after a rain, or dinner on the stove)
What can I touch? (this may be your steering wheel, a stress ball on your desk, or the skin on the top of your hand)
What do I taste? (this may be a piece of candy in your mouth, the coffee you’re sipping, or the meal you are eating)
As you ask yourself these questions, pay attention to your breathing. As it slows, take notice of how your mind is gradually moving into a place of calm and peace. If you feel your thoughts drifting again, gently ease your mind back to the present by intently paying attention what you are hearing, seeing, smelling, touching, and tasting in every moment.
Learning to be present through these five questions can be a powerful practice that can guide you to consistently feeling more peaceful, fulfilled, and happy.
You don’t have to be perfect in life, just present.
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.
Make the Now the primary focus of your life.”
—Eckhart Tolle
This post is original content, not AI-generated.
Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach based in Omaha, Nebraska, who specializes in helping her clients both locally and nationwide to move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit her at crossthebridgecoaching.com.
