Be Here Now

Where are you right now? Oh, I don't mean physically, I mean mentally, emotionally, and / or intellectually. When you are doing something, are you worried about thirty other things? Can you enjoy a moment to yourself, or do you feel guilty for sitting down and reading a book? Can you sit and listen to a child tell their tale of woe without worrying about breakfast, dinner, lunch or projects due at work?

This week, we are looking at Mindfulness. Most of us are confused by this word, especially since it is so closely associated with people like the Dalai Lama, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Pema Chodron, and so many other amazing teachers of our time. Honestly, it isn't their domain exclusively.

During the sixties, when so many tried to bring eastern philosophy and understandings to the western reality, a wise man named Ram Dass coined the phrase, "Be Here Now". And, in my opinion, this is one of the most powerful statements ever uttered, and has become one of the ruling principles of my life. The three words are a reminder to be fully present and mindful in every moment.

When was the last time you did one thing during a particular moment, and were absolutely focused on it? Can you remember?

Be aware of your breathing for a moment. Notice as the air moves in and out. Now, think about reality from the point of view of your lungs. There is nothing but the breath that is happening at any given moment. There is no past, no future, only the present.

Extending this analogy to your own life, think of a time when you were talking to someone, and it was very important to you that they hear you, not just listen politely. However, they were distracted by issues going on in their own life and did not listen as closely to you as you truly desired.

How did that make you feel? Can you think of incidents today where you did this to someone else?

As always, we now have an opportunity to choose our reaction. Do we choose to berate ourselves for this shortcoming, or do we release the past with love and forgiveness and seek to change our future, one moment at a time?

Easy exercises to bring you into the present abound. Here are a few of my favorites. Select a tiny morsel of your favorite food. Before I hypnotized myself against consuming sugar, I would have chosen a Hershey's Kiss. Allow yourself to enjoy the incredibly sensuous experience of taking fifteen minutes to enjoy that single morsel of food. Another exercise is to wash the pots after a meal -- yes, I'm serious. Notice the incredibly smoothness of the soap as it gently caresses your skin. Enjoy the aroma of the soap you selected for this proces. Appreciate the results as you patiently clean each pot, one thoughtful movement at a time. It's a miraculous experience.

Be Here Now, or Mindfulness gives us an ancient view of the universe. Your thoughts, no matter what they are, are not you. You are not your thoughts. The consciousness of the moment where your thoughts are focused, creates what is going on around you. In this understanding, there is no future, there is only now, which is created moment by moment.

In the next paragraph, I'm going to put one of my recent twitter posts. For me, it sums up the power of existing only in the moment, and in honoring and appreciating that moment. So, before we begin, let's take a deep breath, close our eyes, release the sorrow that comes with the loneliness and perceived rejection, and ask for guidance, support, love and best answers from the highest spiritual source you choose to work with. This might be God, your Wise Mind, Spirit, an Ascended Master, or Spiritual Guide.

I am, therefore I think. I think, therefore I can change my thoughts. I can change my thoughts, therefore I can change my world. I can change my world, therefore I can change myself.

Breathe. Be.

Allow yourself to be patient and to be true to yourself. Remember to take at least five minutes every day to simply be by yourself and breathe. Allow yourself to indulge in a moment of thought, reflection, and planning when the mood strikes. It's your life, your choice. Allow yourself to simply succeed on your own terms, to live in peace, abundance, and joy. One day, one decision at a time, remaining aware of your choices and your feelings. You CAN get there.

And, as always, if you need help, I'm available. It's what I do, and it's what I love to do.

Sharon.

Hypnotherapy can help you to think healthier, happier, and more successful thoughts while adding the power of relaxation to your life. As you go through your day, you feel better and perform better.

Contact us to learn more about how hypnotherapy can you propel you toward a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy, in any form, does not diagnose, treat or cure mental or emotional problems, and is not a substitute for other professional help.