Living in the NOW

by: Dawn Demers

The focus for 2015 is on living in the NOW. All of our power lives in NOW, in this moment. It is in this moment that we have the opportunity to create change and make our desires a reality. To do this we must live in the present. What is happening in this moment is simply a reflection of what is in our hearts. Love creates love just as fear creates fear.

To illustrate this practice, imagine that we are in inner tubes, floating down a lush tropical river. We are a part of a larger group of people, all floating down the river. It is a beautiful day. Both sides of the river are overflowing with vibrant, emerald green vegetation. It is warm. The sun is sparkling on the water. Then, in an instant, our peaceful, serene journey changes. We have come upon some rapids. We feel the water pick up speed, rushing by us as it pushes our inner tubes back and forth. The river carries us over the rapids and down the river. We have no control over the situation. We feel ourselves drop over small rock cliffs. Clinging tightly to the safety handles, we somehow manage to stay in our inner tubes! We can see other tubers being flipped out of their tubes and being thrown into the large boulders sticking sharply out of the water. As we watch this, our sense of panic begins to race.

How can we manage this journey? We are trapped in the inner tube with no exit. We are being carried down the river by the momentum of the water, whether we want to go or not. It is too late to turn back. Here is where we turn to the practice of being present in the moment. Begin to focus on living in the NOW. Stop looking down the river, trying to anticipate what pitfalls lie ahead. Instead focus on the moment.

What sounds are present in this moment? Focus on the bubbling and rushing sound of water, the sounds of the tropical jungle on either side of the river, the leaves rustling as the breeze picks up, and the sound of birds and other creatures. When you are living in the NOW these can sound like calming music.

What sights and sensations are present in this moment? Focus on the vibrant jungle colors. Feel the cool, wet sensation of the water splashing on our legs as they dangle out of the inner tube. Whenever distractions threaten our sense of the present, be aware and refocus on what is going on right NOW.

Before we know it, the river will have slowed and we will be at a shallow pool. The guides for this journey will be assisting us out of our inner tubes, and we will be headed off for a new adventure.

Life is a journey with fast and slow spots, rapids, fear, and anxiety. We are all going through it together. In life we often have no control. How can we manage the rapids of life? We can let panic and fear of what we anticipate in the future take over. Or, we can choose to be present in the NOW. By appreciating the moment the journey becomes surreal, memorable, and unique. Make life an amazing adventure and have a lot more fun by living in the NOW.

Let us agree to set an intention for 2015 to experience life in the NOW. If we find that we are not happy with our NOW, don’t worry, it will change. In fact, our NOW changes from one moment to the next, based upon where we focus our attention.

Try these four simple steps to experience the joy of actively living in the NOW.

Living in the NOW Step One: Relax, breathe, and focus attention on what you desire to be NOW. Be grateful for all that has been and for all that is NOW. This allows a shift in perspective and opens the doors to experience even greater moments that are more aligned with what is desired.

Living in the NOW Step Two: Set your intention to savor each moment and affirm: I accept what is, regardless of my opinion about it.

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Living in the NOW Step Three: Ground yourself by visualizing roots growing out of your feet and into the earth, anchoring you in the present.

Living in the NOW Step Four: When thoughts drift away from the present, bring attention back to the present by stating mentally what you are doing/feeling in that moment. For example: “Eating,” “Feeling warmed by the sun,” “Smiling.”

By focusing on the NOW it is impossible to be anxious or fearful of the future. Choose an activity or several activities each day and set an intention to remain present for that activity. Remember that by living in the NOW and acknowledging what is, we can then make a choice to accept it. By accepting what is, we open the doors to change the reality we are experiencing NOW.

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About the Author

Dawn Demers is a Strategic Coach, Change Master, and speaker. Her life’s mission is to help others find their true path and live the life of their dreams. In addition to bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in business and psychology, Dawn is trained in Pranic Healing, Reiki, and other healing modalities. Learn more about Dawn at ACORDA Strategic Coaching, www.acorda.yolasite.com.