by Rebecca Donaldson

Created on: March 22, 2007   Last Updated: June 04, 2010

Mindfulness:Living in the moment

Can you imagine being utterly at peace right here, right now in this moment ? We rarely experience this sense of well being. Can you remember the last time you did not have a care in the World ? For most people a childhood memory comes to mind, for others they simply cannot remember ever being totally at peace. We direct much of our time and energy into thoughts of the past or fears for the future. We are scattered, never quite here or there. We live with one foot in the past and one foot in the future, straddling a life that we never actually live fully or wholeheartedly.

In Buddhism the ability to live in the moment, with full appreciation of the moment & all that it offers is called mindfulness. Mindfulness is a state of being fully present with yourself. This may sound strange, how can you not be with yourself ? Our thoughts and connections with events that do not belong to the present have the powerful ability to remove you from reality. Living in the moment allows you to achieve more, you are able to focus fully on what is required of you in this moment whether it is the simple task of walking or a more complex task. Living in the moment allows you to move forward purposefully when you need to because you are no-longer held back by the past or living in fear of the future.

Just live, just be.

How can you achieve mindfulness and live fully in the moment?

Mindfulness can be a meditative experience. Meditative activities can help you to achieve this state .Meditation does not always have to take place while you are sitting in silence with your eyes closed .Many creative activities bring about mindfulness .Any type of craft such as carving, painting, sewing or even walking reminds you of what it is to live in the moment as you focus your awareness fully on the task. Spending time in natural surroundings can give you a sense of mindfulness. Gaze at a tree, flower or stream. The ability to be truly mindful may take some years of healing. Letting go of the past, healing and balancing your mind ,body and soul will clear the way to achieving a true sense of mindfulness. Each step you take towards this goal will benefit you greatly so start now.

Being mindful and living in the present moment can bring about a sense of relief and serenity.  You are no-longer burdened by the past or the future. You will develop the inner confidence to trust in yourself and the Universe. This trust will come from knowing with certainty that all is well right here, right now. You will know without a doubt that you are doing exactly what you should be doing right here, right now, in this moment.

Perfect peace

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