Practicing The Power Of NOW

The Power of Now. What does is it actually mean?

Consider this... You've cooked an amazing meal. You take it to the couch to enjoy every mouthful. But when you get there you switch on the TV and start watching Netflix. Pretty common right! As you're eating and watching, your phone pings, so you start texting with a friend. Now you're eating and watching and texting all at the same time.

How can you fully experience your meal when your attention is on the TV or your phone?

How can you get right into whatever is on TV when you're eating and texting at the same time?

How can you give your friend the attention they deserve if you're also watching TV and eating your meal?

Truth bomb: There's no such thing as effective multitasking!

When I reflect on what my Yoga practice has taught me over the years, aside from a variety of physical postures, one important word that comes to mind is: PRESENCE.

When we try to do multiple things at once, like the examples above, we're never entirely present in any of them. Being fully present means giving your entire focus to what you're actually doing right now. Now I know that's not always easy, far from it, but being present is a skill and that means we can improve it with practice.

A wonderful way to practice on the mat is with balancing postures. Whether that's standing on one leg, lifting one leg in a backbend, or balancing upside down - I can assure you that in that very moment you won't think about what's for dinner, nor will you run through the shopping list in your head. If you do.... you'll probably fall!

In those moments you are using the power of NOW. And every daily moment brings the opportunity to practice this presence. Try these three simple ways to use the power of now in your daily life.

• The next time you go for a walk, turn your phone off. Instead of taking photos or listening to a podcast, just walk and take in the moment. Notice what you see. Notice what you hear. Soak in the world around you.
• Eat a meal without any distractions. Even better, eat it outside! Take 3 deep breaths before you start, smell your food, chew slowly and savour each bite. What flavours can you taste? What textures can you feel? You're not only practicing presence here, your digestion will also love you for it.
• When you watch a movie, just do that! Put your phone on silent, or even better turn it off, and just watch the movie. Hand up if you're guilty of Netflix and Instagram and Facebook and texting and chill 🙋🏼‍♀️

It's not easy and nobody is perfect, but every moment in every day is an opportunity to practice being present. And by doing that, you'll bring more awareness, more clarity and more focus into your life, for a fuller and richer experience.

♡