Practicing the Power of Now

Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life. Whereas before you dwelt in time and paid brief visits to the Now, have your dwelling place in the Now and pay brief visits to past and future when required to deal with the practical aspects of your life. Always say "yes" to the present moment. -Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now

The words of Tolle are simple. It’s really about being fully engaged in life. Living every moment completely and being a part of 100% of the Now. The bottom line is that you are most powerful, most intuitive when you are present. When you learn to disengage from your mind, your thoughts, your worries and focus fully on the Now you find stillness. You find peace. You know what you need. You know what to do.

Focusing on the Now disconnects you from the mental chatter that controls your emotions and drains your energy. Mental chatter and worry is the cause of stress. Disconnect from incessant thinking and you will no longer create stress in your mind and body.

Children and animals are the best teachers of how to live in the present. They are not controlled by thought. Observe them as go in and out of moments in their lives. They show up fully for whatever situations arise. Watch them play and notice their authentic power shine through. They are luminous. Children and animals spend their days disengaged from their minds and fully engaged in the Now. They know of no other way to be. They don’t live in the “yesterdays” and they don't care about the “tomorrows”.

How does one stay present in the moment? Tolle suggests that you, “"Be the ever alert guardian of your thoughts". Guarding your thoughts is the first step. Make a commitment to “check-in” mentally every 10 minutes. Notice when you leave the Now. Notice when your mind flutters away to past or future stories. Catch yourself and reel yourself back in to what you are doing. Ask yourself throughout the day, "Where am I right now?” “Where did I go?” And then with a smile and without judging guide your mind back to the moment.

Practicing yoga and meditation is an ideal way to experience the power of Now. These disciplines allow you the time to observe mental chatter. On your mat or cushion you have the space to observe your mental trips to the past and the future.

Learning to live in the present moment is a life long journey. It starts right now.