How to Enjoy Right Now

December 18, 2017

This week we are talking about the joy and peace to be found in being fully present in the HERE AND NOW. Mindfulness is kind of a buzzword these days, but what does it really mean? How can we practice being focused on the present moment when there is so much about the past that haunts us and so much about the future that causes us to worry? Jesus reminded us, "Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil." (Matthew 6:34) How can we do that, though? It's so hard sometimes. We share three thoughts that can help: 1) STOP. Build breaks into your day and give yourself moments where you can just BE and know that it is enough. 2) Pay attention to your thoughts. Get in the habit of noticing when your thoughts leave the present moment and train yourself to keep reining them back in. 3) Pay attention to noise. What kind of "noise" do you allow in your life on a regular basis? TV, radio, social media, stress from news? Look for ways to insert more quiet and limit those kinds of "noise" that you can control. 4) Redirect your thoughts. Get in the habit of noticing when you think too much about the past or the future, and practice focusing on the present, even inside of your spiritual life and what you pray for. 5) Look for examples. Do you know someone who is good at living in the moment? A friend or a child or a pet? Watch and learn!