They say the past is over and the future is yet to be. The only thing that remains is the present moment. That’s sure been true for me!
Years ago, I had a chance to learn how stress about the past or future can rob our experience of the present.
Mindfulness
Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the developer of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programs, teaches people to fully appreciate the present by taking several minutes to eat one raisin. As they chew, they savor the full sensory experience—the texture, taste, and sound. Give it a try sometime.
If you don’t have a raisin, wash a few dishes very slowly. Feel the texture of each one. Listen to the sounds they make as they clink together. Smell the moist air lingering around you.
When you mindfully immerse yourself in the present moment, you can feel your mind unhinge from all the distressing thoughts about your past and future.
The Present Moment
In my late 40s, I spent two painful years with both of my shoulders “frozen.” Eventually, I sought help from Pema Chodron’s popular book, When Things Fall Apart, and was struck by her suggestion that one could attain peace by simply being present with each moment, even the distressing ones.
After reflecting on this idea, I realized that during my illness I had been searching through my past actions, worrying about what I’d done to make my shoulders worse. When I wasn’t dwelling on the past, I was trying to figure out what treatment to try in the future.
As I followed Chodron’s suggestion to be fully present with my body’s sensations, my stress diminished greatly. Even though my shoulders didn’t heal right away, I was able to handle the pain and limitations with more peace and grace. (Need I say I had been a basket case before trying this?)
That experience taught me to make friends with my present circumstances, even when I don’t like them. Today I’m so grateful for my healthy and flexible shoulders–and for learning to appreciate every moment as it comes.
Try It Now
To experience mindfulness, try focusing 100% on what’s happening right now. What do you hear? What are you touching? What noises are you hearing? What tastes fill your mouth? When you’re this attentive to the present, your stress and worries melt away. I’d love to hear how this works for you!
Gigi Langer has been clean and sober for 33 years, and holds a PhD in 
Psychological Studies in Education from Stanford University. She’s a sought-after speaker and retreat leader who has helped thousands improve their lives at work and at home. Order her award-winning book at Amazon or get 20% off with promo code 20lessnow here.
