The Perfect Present: Using Your Five Senses to Live in the
Moment
Copyright 2005 Vivian Banta
"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift -
that is why we call it the present." Author unknown
How much of your life is lost either dwelling on the past or
worrying about the future? When your thoughts are imprisoned by
the past or fearful of the future, you can miss out on one of
life's greatest gifts: that which is happening today and indeed
this very moment.
The reality is that when you are yearning for yesterday and
either tempted or terrified by tomorrow, your ability to move
forward will be confined by your inability to make the most of
today. The key to throwing off your shackles is to put your
effort into the present moment. Not only will you reap the
rewards of enjoying a new awareness of everything around you,
but also you will have a healthy and positive place from which
to move forward in a constructive and fulfilling way.
Utilizing the five senses, here a few simple examples of how you
can practice "being present" or "living in the moment": 1. Touch
As you go about your daily activities, be mindful of the
texture, temperature and feel of things. Start with your
clothing. Are you wearing a pressed cotton shirt, velour jogging
suit or rugged denim jeans? What about your work environment? Is
your desk made of slick, smooth laminate or rough wood? 2. Taste
When you eat your meals today, chew slowly and savor each bite.
What different flavors do you encounter? What feelings,
associations and memories arise from the various tastes? Do you
have enough variety or are the tastes almost bland because of
their familiarity? Which taste is your favorite one of today? 3.
See Actively notice things in your environment. As you drive to
work or are out on errands, do you see anything new? Perhaps a
new shop has opened or flowers are in bloom along the highway.
Investigate the range of colors. Instead of thinking that
something is "blue", narrow it down. Is it a deep navy blue or a
tropical turquoise? 4. Smell Aside from the obvious things you
normally smell like your food or the perfume/cologne you wear,
try to observe the scent of other things. And no, not just the
roses! If you are mowing the lawn, really take in the scent of
the fresh cut grass or the earthy soil. If you are washing the
dishes, notice the smell of the dishwashing liquid. Do you like
it or is it time for something different? 5. Hear When you are
interacting with others today, give them your undivided
attention: don't interrupt and listen attentively before you
speak. Listen also to the background noise of your life. Can you
hear birdsong? How many types can you make out? When you step
outside, do you hear the children playing next door or the dog
barking down the street? How do you feel when you hear these
sounds? What is the most pleasant sound of the day?
Awareness of the present moment will make you feel in control of
your life. Of course, learning from our mistakes, reminiscing
over the past or planning for the future all have their places
but after you've done so, let these thoughts go. Today is what
really matters, irrespective of how imperfect it might seem and
it is your attitude towards today which counts. You may have
little control over things today but one thing is certain. you
can choose and control your attitude towards today.
Enjoy the present moment then without dwelling on earlier or
later, yesterday or tomorrow, past or future. Be mindful of the
gathering storm of your thoughts if they carry you away to
another time frame under a cloud of pessimism. Quell the storm
by reining in your mind and your actions back to the "perfect
present" and the world will open up to you with all of today's
wonderful opportunities.