Staying present : self coaching tip 1

For many of us, each day becomes a struggle to accomplish specific plans, resolve stuff left over from yesterday, and keep one eye on the future. On the way to work, we look ahead to prioritizing the day's tasks. Just after lunch, we think about what we'll serve for dinner. We may have time for a coffee with a friend, yet beneath the surface, we're conscious of time passing, and the next task to be completed. The here and now is being smothered by our myriad of concerns. We put pressure on ourselves, which in turn creates stress, which in turn can make us anxious and frustrated, because life often doesn't go the way we plan.

What would happen if we stop seeing time as something that is conspiring against us as we make our way through the day? What if we open our hearts and mind to being in the present moment? By opening to being present in the moment, we can actually reduce our sense of conflict and feelings of being overwhelmed. Situations look better and interacting with people is easier. We can feel in our bodies we are alive, and that sensation refreshes and energizes us.

Exercise: Today, take a half-hour break from everything else and just enjoy
what's at hand. If it's a beautiful day outside, take a walk in a nearby park.
If your back is aching, lie down on the couch and listen to all the different
sounds you can hear around you. If both you and your dog are in the
mood to play, get out the dog toys. If a construction crew is hard at work
on a building site across the road, go watch what's happening.

Affirmation: Today, in joyful silence, I release my hold on making things happen, and participate with all my being in what is happening. Here I find peace.