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There is a running theme to recent news- worry. Americans, according to the media, are concerned about various issues; the economy, rising costs, unemployment, etc. It is easy to get caught up in negativity. Many, if not all, of these areas are beyond our power. Countless empty hours can be spent in anxiety for tomorrow. To be consumed by the future deprives us of the one arena we do have control over -the present.

It is time to embrace today, for today.

Holding on to this moment, and reveling in all its pleasure, is really what living is all about. Experiencing each day robustly in the present is a means of feeding your mind, body and spirit. How?

Negativity takes from us. Pessimistic thoughts are physically aging, stymie creativity, and affect us on all levels. On the opposite end of the spectrum, positive emotions supply the psyche. A well nourished soul welcomes challenges, is open to inspiration and draws others enthusiastically to us.

Tips to stay in the "Now":

1. Limit Exposure- Set boundaries on negativity the media tosses your way. After ten minutes, turn the tube off. Read a book. Listen to upbeat music. Off-set the pessimism with optimism. How many times an hour do you need to hear the unemployment rate anyway? You've got a lot more to do today!

2. Embrace Others- Laugh with loved ones. Reminisce about golden times. Children, in particular, have an amazing ability to gobble life with wonder and joy. Learn from them. When was the last time you had a sense of "wonder"?

3. Focus on Control- Perhaps you cannot alter the economy, but you can improve yourself, your surroundings or encourage others. Fear can make one immobile. Channel your concerns to action. Even if it's as simple as cleaning a closet. Move forward. Aid others in less fortunate circumstances. You will feel empowered via accomplishment. What can you do in the moment?

4. Breathe- Yes, breathe. Whether it's in meditation, during a traffic jam, or outdoors, focus on things of importance like breathing. Take a slow deep breath in, hold for a count of eight, release to a count of eight- repeat a few times. Performing this activity relaxes the body, prepares the mind and clears the stressful clutter off your emotional plate. Focus on only your breathing, or recite a supportive mantra in your head.

5. Be Thankful- Give thanks for every mundane morsel of life. Items such as health, phone calls from friends, old junky cars, or warm meals are not trivial, if we embrace them as commodities. Drink deeply and enthusiastically of life's daily water. Thankfulness soothes parched souls.

Living in the "now" is not empty of future preparations. But it is experiencing life without adding upcoming worries on the clean slate of today's business. Embrace the positive. Gather wonder. Move forward. Breathe. Be grateful. Make today a great one!
Your tomorrow will be brighter because of it.

Learn more about this author, Leanne Coffman.
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