We hear about this all the time. “Be present”, “Be mindful” etc. But what does that really mean and how do we do it?

I believe that being in the present moment is different for everyone. It can be taken very literally but that’s hard to do. As I write this I’m too much in the present moment as for some reason, my kitchen has been overtaken by flies, real flies, not fruit flies. I have no idea where they came from or what to do. It’s ruined my morning routine as I am taking off for Vol State and can only envision the disaster that will await when I return, So, all I can think of is the flies. That’s defnitely being in the present moment,

Do I want to stay there? It’s not a pleasant place to be and it’s not productive. I don’t want my eulogy to talk about how my last moments were zen thoughts about flies. So, I think we have to be realistic. Often when someone is in pain, it helps to think of some place calm and serene that they’d like to be. It’s the same process as dissociation but this is voluntary. When dissociation usually occurs it’s an unconscious thing due to some horrific or intolerable trauma. But you can practice dissociating to help ease your discomfort. This is NOT a bad thing if it helps you deal with pain.

I think that being in the present moment can best be done by practicing gratitude. Going on a long car ride might have you thinking about what’s going to happen when you get there or who you’ll be with etc. You can, though, concentrate on the wonders and beauty surrounding you. Even looking at the various cars you’re passing or who are passing you can fill you with gratitude. Think about who invented them and why – where did the ideas come from. Why did one person think this or that improvement would be better. But then come back to your own life and be grateful that someone, anyone had the idea to create a car. What would your life be like without it. Be thankful.

Practice this on your way to work or church or school or to a hobby. Whatever. Look around your room or house as you read this. What (or who) can you be grateful for?

What’s your definition of being in the present moment?

Both of these are things we must remember each and every day. One applies to our own personal and internal existence and the other applies to our treatment of other human beings.

When we give up hope, we lose any reason to live. It’s hard to hold onto a goal without hope. It’s hard to continue to push forward for your family without hope. In reality, it’s hard to do anything without hope.

You can choose hope. Your belief system can be based around hope. Sometimes you have to convince yourself that you have hope but if you practice telling yourself you have it when things are ok, then you’re more likely to keep saying it when they aren’t so great. Why not choose hope…over no hope? Answer that question before you make your choice.

Every day we should also choose to be at least a decent human being and preferably a good one. That is an even easier choice than choosing hope. How much effort does it take to be a decent human being? Why would you choose not to be? I’d like to know why someone would choose to be a mean person.

What choices are you willing to make?

It behooves us to remember this – every single day. Until it’s embedded in our minds, it might do well to print it out and hang it in the bathroom so it’s one of the first things we see in the morning.

We have an impact no matter whether we know it or recognize it or not. I think most of the time we don’t even realize that something we’ve done has impacted someone else.

This can be a positive or a negative impact. A snide comment or look; an angry gesture; a smile; a wave. Any of these, especially when done without thought, can influence someone else’s day. Maybe you give that disapproving look and comment under your breath when someone bumps into you at the grocery store. You think nothing of it. After all, that woman deserved it for not paying attention to YOUR actions. What you don’t realize is that the woman has a 4 year old little girl in the grocery cart with her. The young girl is all eyes. She’s looking at you and her mom and has no clue what’s going on. But you can bet the little girl knows something’s up and she’s probably scared – at least a bit.

Later her mom is grumpy and short with her and she begins to think she’s done something wrong. All kids think that the world revolves around them so they interpret adults’ reactions as being caused by them. This is no different.

You’ve already forgotten the incident but the little girl hasn’t. You’ve had an impact that you’re not even aware of. Is this how you’d like others to remember you?

Think about your actions, your gestures, your words. Let’s say it’s been a less than ideal day at work. Now you’re going to the gym and you know it’s very busy at this time. Usually people at the gym do things to annoy you. Knowing this, sit in your car for a while and take some deep breaths. Make an intention that you will make a positive impact or at least remain neutral. Remind yourself that uou don’t know what’s going on in other people’s lives and that there could be many reasons they do the things that annoy you. Decide to just do your workout and be happy you’re there.

Be intentional in all your activities. Make a positive impact all day long.