by Gini Grey

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

There will never be another moment just like this one. Clouds will never roll past in exactly the same formation. Sun rays won't peak through branches at precisely the same angle. You're sense of awe looking at the purple and orange sunset tonight will be different from yesterday. And who knows what tomorrow will bring; you will only find out by being there in the present moment.

With so much richness in this moment, why spend time rehashing the past or rehearsing for tomorrow? Our active minds like to analyze the past and plot for the future, keeping us distracted from the now. Yet it is in the present moment that we feel fully alive and access our inner joy. We can touch into emotions by reviewing past memories or by imagining the future, but they don't compare to the fullness of this moment. The now is all we have, and if we spread our energy between the past and the future we rob ourselves of our present vitality.

Many people believe that if they plan carefully for the future, anticipating any potential problems, they will be safe and secure. Yet problems don't really exist in the present; they exist in the mind which lives in the past and future. In the present we have our intuition to guide us. We move into the flow of life rather than swimming against it. We use all of our senses and live life each breath at a time.

Here are five tips to help you live in the moment:

1) If you tend to live in the past, ask yourself what purpose it serves. Then notice what it costs you. In each moment, choose where you want to focus.

2) If you spend a lot of time future gazing, ask yourself what purpose that serves. Does it distract you from actually moving forward in your life? If so, what do you need to do now?

3) Create reminders for yourself, such as post-it-notes placed in your home or office, to be in the present moment. When you are reminded, move completely into the moment; breathe, feel the sensations in your body, see the colors and shapes around you, smell the air, listen to the sounds.

4) With each activity you are doing, immerse yourself in it without thought. Focus on one thing at a time, bringing all of your attention to every detail.

5) If you need to go over the past or plan for the future for practical reasons, do it from the present moment. Keep a part of your awareness here now.

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