Enjoying the present

Progress. Movement. More. It good, great even... but how do we push onto to new frontiers and not miss the present?

Remorse, remembrance, the good ol' days, they all have a part to play in our life, but how many lines do they take up in our life's script?

I heard this quote a while ago now but it's stuck with me- "your present to others is being present".

Ever been with someone, maybe even mid conversation and they are a million miles away? #guilty I've done it too. However, when I reflect back- it's generally because I am looking back or looking forward rather than being with the person.

There's a whole field within psychology called ontology which is all about- your way of being. Your way of being, affects everything else. Isn't it funny how we are classified as "human beings" but end up looking at ourselves as "human doings". No wonder we lose our way or our sense of self.

So here's a little experiment to try and notice if you find any changes either in yourself or in your circles.

1. Watch the world around you and try and engage with it differently. One of my favourite ways to see the same old with new eyes is by having a 'liberal arts movie' moment. Here's what it looks like- I walk down the street with classical music and notice my every day ordinary routes come to life in new light.

2. Authentically celebrate whoever you are with. Everyone has something good about them. Sometimes it's deep other times its superficial. Share whatever it is, so long as it is authentic and kind. Authentic celebration changes the relationship, sometimes its them, but mostly it changes us.

3. Mention something you are good at in a conversation today. This might feel awkward but its an important step to take. More than halftime, most people's inner talk world is negative. Saying something out loud, reminds yourself to see the positive.

4. At the end of the day, reflect on how present you felt and one thing you want to focus on tomorrow.

Habits take 21 days to form, so try it for a day and then the next and then the next and so on. Drop a comment below to let us know how you are going with this experiment. Here's to living life fully!

#flourish #mentalhealth #mentalhealthchallenge #therapy #mentalwellness