Living in the moment – sounds pretty zen, right?
But in our fast-paced, always-connected world, it seems nearly impossible. However, there’s a tribe of people out there who’ve mastered this mindfulness thing. They’re fully plugged into the present moment, not overly fussed about the past or anxious about the future.
You might be wondering, “How do they pull that off?” Well, it turns out these folks have some shared habits – today, we dive into seven of them.
So sit back, relax, and get ready for a journey into the world of living in the moment. You never know; by the end of this article, you might just pick up a few tricks and start living your life a little differently, too.
1) They savor the small moments
When was the last time you truly tasted your food, felt the breeze on your skin, or heard the birds chirping outside your window?
People who live in the moment have a knack for mindfulness – they make it a point to be fully present and engaged in their current activity.
They don’t just chow down their meals while scrolling through social media or plan their day during a morning jog. Instead, they savor each bite of their food and relish each stride of their run.
Ask yourself this: How often do you consciously choose to be present in your daily routines? Are there moments where you could switch off autopilot and tune into your senses?
It might not be easy at first, but with regular practice, mindfulness can become a natural part of your life.
2) They limit their use of technology
Remember the last time you were out with friends, and instead of enjoying the moment, you were too busy trying to capture the ‘perfect’ photo for your Instagram feed? Or that time when you were on a beautiful hike, but instead of soaking in the scenery, you were responding to work emails?
People who live in the moment understand the importance of unplugging from technology. They recognize that while smartphones and social media can connect us with others, they can also create a barrier to truly experiencing and enjoying the present.
Here’s a personal example. My friend John, who is one of the most mindful people I know, has a strict “no phones at the dinner table” rule at his house. This not only allows him and his family to fully engage with each other during meals but also helps them to truly savor and appreciate their food. They’ve found that this simple rule has led to deeper conversations and stronger connections between them.
Doing something similar might just help you to appreciate the here and now, too.
3) They cultivate gratitude
Picture this: You’re stuck in traffic after a long day at work. Your first instinct is to feel frustrated and stressed. But what if, instead, you used this time to reflect on the positive aspects of your day? This is exactly what people who live in the moment do – they cultivate gratitude.
Instead of dwelling on negative events or worrying about the future, they train their minds to focus on the positives. They appreciate the small joys of life – a delicious meal, a good workout, a helpful colleague, or even just having a roof over their heads. By doing this, they manage to find happiness in the present moment rather than constantly seeking it in the future.
So, give this a try: Next time you’re feeling stressed or down, pause for a moment and think about three things you’re grateful for. You might find that this simple practice can help shift your focus from your worries to the abundance that already exists in your life.
4) They prioritize experiences over possessions
This is a big one.
Instead of splurging on the latest gadgets or designer clothing, people who live in the moment choose to invest in experiences that bring them joy and create lasting memories – be it traveling to a new place, learning a new skill, or spending quality time with loved ones.
They appreciate the impermanence of moments and savor the emotions and sensations that come with each experience.
5) They embrace imperfections
A few years ago, I met a remarkable woman named Alice. She had an incredible ability to live in the moment. One day, I asked her for her secret. She smiled and said, “I’ve learned to embrace imperfections.”
Alice understood that life is full of imperfections – unexpected changes, mistakes, failures. But instead of getting frustrated or upset, she viewed these as opportunities for growth and learning. By accepting and embracing these imperfections, she was able to let go of the stress and anxiety that comes with trying to control everything and stay fully present in the moment.
Alice’s approach to life can serve as a lesson for all of us. Instead of striving for perfection, what if we embraced the imperfect nature of our lives?
This shift in perspective could help us let go of unnecessary worries and focus on the here and now.
6) They intentionally slow down
In a world that often feels like it’s moving at breakneck speed, slowing down can feel counterintuitive. However, people who live in the moment understand the power of taking life at a slower pace. They don’t rush through their days in a blur of activity. Instead, they take time to enjoy each moment as it comes.
Slowing down allows them to fully engage with their surroundings and activities, whether it’s savoring a cup of coffee, listening to a loved one, or simply watching a sunset. It’s about appreciating the journey, not just rushing towards the destination.
So, ask yourself this: Could you take a few extra minutes to enjoy your morning coffee or spend some uninterrupted time with your loved ones? Remember, life isn’t a race. Taking the time to slow down can help you live more fully in each moment.
7) They fully engage in conversations
Ever had a conversation with someone who’s constantly checking their phone or looking around the room? It feels pretty awful, right?
Now, contrast that with a conversation where the other person is fully present, listening intently to your words, and engaging with your thoughts – it’s a whole different experience.
People who live in the moment understand the value of genuine, mindful conversations. They make it a point to be fully present when they’re talking to someone. They listen more than they speak, ask insightful questions, and show genuine interest in the other person’s thoughts and feelings.
This not only helps them build stronger, deeper connections with others but also allows them to gain different perspectives and learn new things.
The bottom line
Living in the moment isn’t a mystical art or a far-off concept – it’s a habit, a lifestyle that anyone can cultivate.
By practicing mindfulness, limiting technology, prioritizing experiences, cultivating gratitude, embracing imperfections, slowing down, and fully engaging in conversations, you, too, can begin to live more in the present.
Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress. So take one step at a time, embrace the journey, and see how your life transforms.
We’d love to hear more from you. What are your thoughts on these habits? Have you tried any of them? Do you have any of your own practices that help you live in the moment?
Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
