How to Stay in the Present Moment

We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. – 2 Corinthians 10:5

I don’t know about you, but I am constantly fighting to stay in the moment. Whether I’m trying to focus at church or play with my kids, my brain always wants to be someplace else!

If you’ve never studied “mindfulness” or the practice of being in the present moment, there are some pretty interesting ideas about how to achieve a focus on the present. One article recommended breathing from alternating nostrils. While I am interested to see if it works, I’m pretty sure my wife will wonder what I’m up to as I try to stay in our “present” conversation.

As alternatives to “alternate nostril breathing”, here are 3 ways to get your mind back to where it belongs quick!

  1. Focus on God – Most of the time what is running through my mind and trying to steal my joy is most definitely “of this world.” By focusing on what God says about my situation (for instance – all things happen for the good…Romans 8:28), I can crowd out my thoughts of worry, fear or just planning ahead. Also try thanking God for whatever you are experiencing in the current moment. Even if you are in the midst of changing the worst dirty diaper you have ever seen and just ran out of wipes, that mess came from an amazing gift from God. Thank Him and you’ll begin to feel peace.
  2. Diaphragmatic Breathing – Tough to say, but not too hard to do. Even in a public place. The idea is to focus so intently on your breathing that your mind will not focus on anything else. To do this technique take in a deep breath into your belly. When your belly is fully expanded, bring the breath into your chest. Release your breath from your chest first and then your belly. To get the hang of this you can practice by placing your hands on your belly and chest. You’ll be pretty amazed at how hard it is to think about that problem at work while you’re focusing this hard on breathing!
  3. 5 Senses Awareness – This one can really be done anywhere. Even while playing with the kids. You have five senses (touch, scent, hearing, taste and sight). By focusing on each of them individually you are focusing your attention on something in the present rather than allowing your mind to wonder into the future or the past. To do this start with touch. What can you feel right now? Fabric, skin, plastic – doesn’t matter. Just focus on it. Once you’re done move to scent. What can you smell in the air? Focus on that smell. Are there multiple smells? Then move on to hearing, taste and sight. All focused on what you are doing right now.

Staying in the present is not easy and it takes lots of practice, but every step you take towards mindfulness will bring you closer to the peace that God has promised us.

If you have some techniques that work for you, please put them in the comments below.

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Image courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/magical-world/1812650937/

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