You read about it; you hear people talk about it -- the concept of living in the now. But what does it actually mean -- and what does it mean to you? The reality of today is that life is hectic, fast-paced, and moving along with ever-increasing technology. We become overwhelmed with busy-ness. That is especially true if you are trying to juggle a business or career with parenthood. Ranging from family and child-related responsibilities to important tasks for your business, do you sometimes feel pulled apart at the seams? From "did I remember to send the permission slip back to school this morning with my child" to "what time is my client meeting for tomorrow and have I prepared everything?" You are thinking about what you did (or didn't do) in the past, and the next moment your mind is plowing ahead to later, tomorrow, or the way-future. When our minds flit from one thought to another, from past to future, we can feel fragmented and unfocused. Living in an on-the-go society can often cause us to miss the beauty, the consciousness, and the exhilaration of the present moment. So maybe it's time to slow down a bit and stop and smell the delightful scent of a freshly-bathed toddler! The concept of living in the now -- paying rapt attention to the present moment -- is referred to as "mindfulness." Mindfulness asks us to bask in the moment, to slow down the pace, and enjoy where we are right now. It is believed that living in the present results in more vibrant feelings of well-being, calmer blood pressure, and reduction in stress. Be open and focused on the unique events and interactions that make up your own life. The key is to do this in a "non-judgmental" way, meaning not to react so intensely or negatively to some of our experiences (such as "Oh my goodness," "I can't believe my child just did that," or "That's terrible!") By cultivating the skill of being non-judgmental, we create greater freedom to see things more clearly and to merely observe emotions and impulses as they happen within us, without getting carried away and becoming so caught up in them in a negative way. Doing the inner work of this can help us be better parents -- and more attentive with our families. When I was a new parent, older and more seasoned folks cautioned me about the extraordinary swiftness of the flow of life -- that I would blink and my kids would be grown! I merely smiled at them indulgently, unbelieving. As far as I could see at the time, it would take eons for my children to even get past the diaper stage. But let me tell you -- these observations by the wiser older generation were absolutely true! The gurgling and cooing turned into demands for the car keys, then the college graduations happened, and even a wedding. Suddenly they were all gone -- and living on their own. So take this to heart and the next time you feel harried -- find a spouse, a child, a pet, or an idea to nuzzle affectionately. Inhale the moment with gusto. If you begin to embrace this concept on a regular basis, the result may well be a calmer mindset and increased joy. You may delightfully find yourself in a more balanced, content place -- including greater harmony within the family unit!
Article Source: http://www.bizymoms.com/expert-advice
Sheryl Schlameuss Berger is a Reiki Master Teacher, who believes in the empowering connection of mind, body and spirit! She invites you to claim your Free Instant Access to a dynamic 3-pack of Positive Living Empowerment Steps with Affirmations visit: www.reikihealthylifestyle.com