Opinions of Tuesday, 19 November 2024

Columnist: Abundant Robert K. Awolugutu

Mindfulness: Living in the present moment

Thích Nhất Hạnh was a Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, peace activist, prolific author, poet Thích Nhất Hạnh was a Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, peace activist, prolific author, poet

“The best gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”- Thich Naht Hanh

Living in the Present Moment

Amidst the chaos of modern life, mindfulness offers a refuge of calm and clarity. By living in the present moment, we unlock the power to transform our lives, letting go of worries, anxieties, and distractions.

Key Elements of Living in the Present Moment

. Full engagement: Being fully engaged in the current experience

. Letting go: Letting go of distractions (thoughts, worries, or multitasking)

. Non-judgment: Focusing on sensations, emotions, and thoughts without judgment

. Impermanence: Embracing the impermanence of life

. Gratitude: Cultivating gratitude and appreciation for the present

Challenges and the Way Forward

Common challenges:

. Mind wandering and distraction

. Emotional reactivity

. Fear of uncertainty or impermanence

. Social media and technology addiction

. Busy-ness and multitasking

The way Forward:

. Practice mindfulness meditation and exercises

. Set aside device-free time

. Engage in nature or sensory activities

. Develop self-compassion and self-awareness

. Prioritize simplicity and focus

Benefits of Living in the Present Moment

. Reduced stress and anxiety

. Improved mental clarity and focus

. Enhanced creativity and productivity

. Better relationships and communication

. Increased self-awareness and self-acceptance

. Enhanced health and wellness

Inspirational Story

Hiroshi Senju, a famous Japanese artist, found peace and inspiration in the
present moment amidst adversity.

Lessons from Hiroshi’s Story

. Life is unpredictable, but the present moment is always available

. Letting go of worries about the past or future frees us to focus on the present

. Creativity and inspiration arise from being fully engaged in the present moment

. Peace and tranquility are found in the flow of life, like the river.

Conclusion

“Mindfulness is a journey of steady progress, not a destination. By embracing the present moment, you’ll discover a deeper sense of purpose, peace, and fulfillment. As you cultivate mindfulness, remember that every breath is an opportunity to start anew"

Call-to- Action (CTA)

Challenge yourself by taking the first step towards mindfulness today. Set aside 5 minutes to breathe, focus on the present, and let go of distractions. Share your mindfulness journey with others and inspire a ripple of calm in your
community.

Takeaway

Living in the present moment paves the way for peace, inspiration, and creativity amidst life’s challenges.

Bonus Quotes

1. “Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment.”- Author Unknown

2. “The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but rather the thoughts about it.”- Eckhart Tolle

3. “Wherever you are, be there totally.”- Author Unknown

4. “In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how greatly you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”-Buddha