{"id":46387,"date":"2020-12-29T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-29T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mindful.org\/?p=46387"},"modified":"2026-04-01T03:32:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T03:32:05","slug":"how-to-be-more-present-and-stay-present","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mindful.org\/how-to-be-more-present-and-stay-present\/","title":"How to Be More Present, and Stay Present","content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019ve been through a lot\u2014together and, more poignantly, alone. And the darkest day of the year\u2014winter solstice\u2014is approaching. I say that not to worry you, but to remind you that each of us can be the light in the darkness (and that on the other side of that darkness is light).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many take this time of year to look back (best-of lists, anyone?) or look ahead (are we making resolutions for 2021 or just letting it wash over us?), here\u2019s an invitation to just be here. Right here, right now, in this moment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of these moments will bring great peace. Others will leave us in pieces. The more we can bring our focus and presence to these moments, the more skilled we become at compassion\u2014for ourselves and others\u2014kindness, and finding joy, and the more we can surf the changes of our lives with ease. It all starts with being present in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three Practices to Find Your Presence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Bring your whole heart to the moment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJoy has its roots in wholehearted appreciative attention,\u201d writes Willem Kuyken.<\/a> \u201cAs you go about your day, bring your attention to seeing, touching, and listening wholeheartedly\u2014mindful of how you are touching and being touched by the world. Take moments to pause.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.\u00a0 Find your foundation in breath<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This year has asked a lot of us. For many, this season asks even more. It can be tempting to zone out, ruminate on the past, or plan the future. Give yourself the gift of this moment, with a basic breathing practice<\/a> to anchor you in the simplicity of the present, where all you have to do is breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Savor what comes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s going to come anyway\u2014the good and the bad, the highs and the lows. This week-long savoring practice<\/a> from founding editor Barry Boyce is an invitation to be with the moments as they come and savor them, no matter their flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

READ MORE<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBreathing Meditations\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tStrengthening Moment-to-Moment Awareness<\/a> \t\t\t\t<\/h6>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\tA 15-minute breathing exercise to focus your attention.\n\t\t\t\t\tRead More<\/span> \"\"<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t