How to Live in the Present Moment

At some point during all a journey of spiritual discovery and self-development, they discover that living in the now is more important than ever before. Perhaps an article like this has been delivered to you several times already, but you've been so busy analyzing the many facets of life that you've forgotten about the most basic aspect of living: the NOW. The advice on how to live in the now, or at least some variation of it is available in literally a thousand and one different resources, books, movies, and CDs. So, why is it that so few people are able to successfully live in the NOW?


For starters, there is an issue with our ability to stay grounded and in balance as we move through life. In order to bring this about, we need to pay attention to breath, sensation, and movement. Breathing techniques are very helpful, as they allow you to focus attention, as well as letting go of any pattern of thinking which may have become stuck in your mind. If you haven't yet practiced meditation, now is definitely the time to start.

Another method for bringing about a better present moment awareness is to use a form of meditation called mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness is defined as a state of being calm and stilling thoughts, while being open to experience. Meditation is a practice wherein a person trains his/her mind to observe breathing patterns and to allow thoughts to pass by, rather than focusing them on the event that they are thinking about. This can lead to an increased sense of calmness and well-being, as well as the achievement of greater spiritual growth.

A third way to live in the present moment awareness is through yoga. Yoga is a form of exercise, which has been used for thousands of years to bring about greater health, as well as physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Through the practice of various postures, known as Asanas, yoga practitioners are able to bring about a sense of wellbeing, as well as a deeper understanding of their own body. There are two types of yoga: Restorative or Raja Yoga, which focuses on the moment, or meditative state, and Dynamic or Vinyasa, which involves a more strenuous, flowing type of movement. Both styles of yoga can be effective, depending on the preferences of the individual practicing.

There are many other ways that people can use to cultivate a better sense of well-being. Some people try to stay in positive places, such as by going for a drive, enjoying a walk in nature, listening to music, or even sitting quietly in a restaurant. Others try to stay in negative places, by thinking about all of the things they would like to change about themselves, but aren't able to. By simply practicing some breathing exercises, people are able to control their breathing and deepen their relaxation. A well-balanced diet, as well as regular exercise, help individuals to keep their emotions in check so that they can remain calm. It is also important to remember that being able to let go of unwanted or stressful elements of the past will allow individuals to live in the present moment more easily.

When an individual decides to pursue a course of action which will promote a sense of well-being, it is a good idea to employ the help of a professional. Clinical psychologists are excellent at helping individuals learn how to cultivate a feeling of happiness and well-being, which is possible through diet, exercise, meditation, as well as letting go of past traumas. A person who practices clinical psychology can be very helpful to a person trying to make positive changes in their lives. However, it should be noted that these individuals do not prescribe a course of action. Rather, they help the client explore various options, so that they can find the best way for them to transform their lives.

People who meditate or who practice yoga can benefit from using the techniques of how to live in the present moment. When individual meditate, it allows them to focus on the moment and receive guidance from an inner source. There are a number of different types of yoga exercises that people can practice. An individual may want to explore some of the following techniques:


Learning how to live in the present moment awareness is one of the best ways to handle stress. Individuals who can master this skill will find that they can handle their daily stresses with greater ease. Guided Imagery, a form of creative imagery, is one of the best ways for individuals to cultivate a feeling of the present moment. Another option for individuals who would like to cultivate this particular trait is to listen to a motivating CD. In addition, taking a short walk will help individuals feel calmer. If an individual feels calmer, it will be easier for him or her to deal with stress.