Stress has
become a major factor in all of our lives.
If not handled properly, stress throws our
bodies out of balance and into a state of dis-ease
– not only physically but emotionally and
spiritually. Much of our stress is due to
worrying about “what if’s”. Guess what?
These “what if’s” may never happen.
An interesting
concept, definitely not new but underutilized,
is “living for the moment”. By living in
the present, really paying attention to life,
other thoughts (worries, stresses …) can’t
co-exist. Reducing stress levels has
enormous benefits such as increased health and
vitality, calmness, improved concentration,
restful sleep and happiness. Living in the
present has many more.
Staying focused
in the present takes a little practice but once
learned, it’s a simple way to reduce your stress
and add a new dimension to your life, even if
only for the moment. An easy way to get
started is by paying attention to your breath –
this is also referred to as ‘conscious
breathing’. Take a few minutes to try
this: get comfortable, close your eyes, as
you breathe in feel the air being pulled in and
filling your lungs, and as you exhale feel the
air leaving your lungs and passing through your
nose. As your mind wanders to other
thoughts, keep bringing yourself back to the
present, to your breath. A variation to
this method is to silently say something to
yourself as you breath in and out – such as
relax/release or even breathe in/breathe out.
This will help you stay focused. Breathing
like this is a simple tool that can be used
anywhere and will instantly reduce your stress
level, heart rate and blood pressure.
Adding passion
and sensuality to your life will also keep you
focused in the present and living will become so
much more pleasurable and rewarding. Most
people think of this purely in a sexual context
but by definition, this is not true.
Passion can be defined as “any powerful or
compelling emotion or feeling” and sensual as
“of or pertaining to the senses or physical
sensation”. We might as well add in
intimacy also – “of, pertaining to, or
characteristic of the inmost or essential
nature; intrinsic”. Our lives have become
so busy and we so preoccupied, that we have lost
touch with these precious gifts of living.
Imagine if you lived your life passionately,
sensually and intimately – stress wouldn’t dare
enter into the picture.
Our spiritual
nature craves sensuality, passion and intimacy
and these are only realized by living in the
present. Developing a passion for life is
very rewarding and really changes your outlook.
Recognizing and developing sensuality in all you
do definitely keeps you in the present and is
the easiest way to add passion and intimacy into
your life. The senses include touch,
taste, sight, smell and sound. So, how do
you develop sensuality? Stay present in
the moment and pay attention to your senses.
Start by really tasting your food. Is it
sweet, sour, bitter…? What does it smell
like? What does it feel like in your mouth
– dry, juicy? Is it pleasing to look at?
Savor your meal, eat slowly. Enjoying your
meal like this will prevent overeating as well
as providing the proper digestion … and your
daily stresses won’t be present at dinner.
We can easily stretch this theme to include the
preparation and presentation. Pay
attention to details – cut your carrots all the
same thickness, notice the different textures of
the foods … Did you remember the candles and
relaxing dinner music? Now for the dishes
and cleanup.
Being present
at work can be a little more challenging but
still within reach. Breathing works well
in the work environment. Believe it or
not, you can be sensual (not sexual) at work.
Arrange your desk so it pleases your senses.
Take a walk at lunch. Stay present and
focused. Pay attention in meetings.
Do your best at what you do (without an
attitude) – self-gratification is wonderful and
recognition will come if that’s what you desire.
Just imagine
how applying these simple ideas may transform a
relationship. Stay in the present. Listen
to what your partner is saying and feeling.
Do you know what it feels like to hold “their”
hand -- or could it be any hand? Don’t you
dare let thoughts of work or anything else
distract you. We won’t go any deeper in
this article.
Enjoy life!
And as the Reggie song goes … “Don’t worry, be
happy!”
