The Power of the Present Moment
It feels like just yesterday that we started the Present Moment Power Challenge. Here I am, sitting in my coworking space on a Saturday, sipping coffee, and reflecting on the journey.
You might be wondering why you’d even bother with a mindfulness challenge. Well, let me tell you, it’s the perfect way to snap back to the present. We all get tangled up in the daily grind, and carving out some “me time” to really embrace the moment. It just makes life so much sweeter.
Breath work and body scans and presence, oh my!
I really enjoy doing challenges like this because I’m reminded of things I haven’t done in a while (that’s why we do them 😉). There are so many ways to be fully present that you will fall in love with all over again.
Benefits of Living in the Moment
I won’t go deep into this since I’ve written about the benefits before but here are the big ones:
- Less Stress Regular practice can help you chill out, both in body and mind. It teaches you how to keep your cool, worry less, so you don’t flip out in tough situations.
- Better Focus Mindfulness is like a superpower for your brain — it sharpens your ability to pay attention, makes you think on your feet, and boosts your overall game.
- Increased Self-Awareness Mindfulness helps you gain insight about what’s bugging you and take action to calm down. It’s like having a mental radar for stress.
- Emotional Intelligence Not only does mindfulness help you get a grip on your own emotions, but it also allows to sense what others are feeling. Plus, it helps you build those warm, fuzzy connections with people.
My Favorite Ways to Live in the Moment
And Breathe…
Breath work is my hands-down favorite way to be mindful because it’s incredibly effective and accessible. I can do it anywhere! Whether I’m feeling stressed, anxious, or just need a mental reset, a few minutes of focused breathing can make a world of difference. It not only helps me relax but also makes me more conscious of the present moment, which is so refreshing in our busy lives. Plus, it’s great to know that this practice can improve my sleep, boost my mood, and even enhance my overall well-being.
Body Scans
Honestly, body scans are one of the easiest and most grounding practices in you can do. You just lie down, close your eyes, and mentally check in with each part of your body, from your toes to your head. It’s like giving yourself a mini spa day without leaving your home. I love how it helps me tune into my body, accept any sensations and notice any tension or stress I’m holding onto.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to wind down after a hectic day. I sometimes use it to help me get to sleep. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or a seasoned pro, body scans are a super simple yet powerful tool to have in your self-care toolkit.
Mindful Journaling
I’ve been practicing mindful journaling for over 20 years, just like I describe in my book, Inner Affirmations. It’s become such a staple in my routine that I can’t imagine life without it. Each time I sit down to write, it’s like hitting the reset button on my brain. Seriously, the clarity it brings is next-level. Whether I’m sorting through a complicated situation or just venting about my day, this practice helps me untangle my thoughts and see things in a whole new light. I typically use prompts from my affirmation inspirations book or my favorite oracle decks to get me started.
I never imagined how powerful it would be in helping me understand situations better and stay hyper-focused in the moment. It’s like having a no-nonsense chat with myself, where I can be brutally honest and reflective. It’s a fabulous way to track my growth and see just how far I’ve come. If you haven’t tried this form of journaling yet, what are you waiting for? Trust me, it’s a total game changer!
Present Moment Reflections
Speedy Moments
The Present Moment Power Challenge felt like it flew by. I don’t know about you, but it felt like it zipped by faster than a cat on a hot tin roof! Seriously, did anyone else feel like they blinked and it was over? One moment we were just getting started, and the next, poof, it was all done and dusted.
Every single day brought a fresh batch of activities, each one more revealing than the last. It was like being on a rollercoaster of mindfulness, with twists and turns that kept you on your toes.
It shook things up, dusted off the cobwebs, and left me feeling invigorated and alive.
Remembering Forgotten Practices
And let me tell you, it was a great reminder of all those practices I hadn’t done in forever (or at least it felt like forever). You know, the ones that make you feel all zen and centered but somehow got lost in the shuffle of everyday life. There are thousands of methods out there, and this challenge just scratched the surface.
It’s good to have reminders for activities like the loving-kindness meditation. I recorded and published it two or three years ago and especially expands my heart and makes me feel great.
I don’t do gratitude journaling as often as I’d like. Sitting down with the intention of being grateful is something I’m want to do more (although, not every day).
Another great activity was mindful listening. While I work to be present and listen to others, it’s different to deliberately sit with someone and just listen.
This challenge nudged me back to the fact that there are many ways to be mindful. In fact, there are a zillion ways (there is no way to cover them all). I like to think of the challenge as a way to start your own personal list of ways to connect to the present.
I would love to hear about your experience with the challenge. Share what worked for you and what you’re going to keep using in the private Slack Community.
Engaging with Community
Connecting with the Mindful Life members in our private Slack community has been one of the best parts of this challenge. I love seeing everyone share their experiences and what has worked for them.
Did you miss the challenge? No worries at all! You can still jump in and be part of the fun. We’d love to have you join us! Just sign up here and become a member of our Mindful Life community. It’s a fantastic place to connect with like-minded people, share your experiences, and support each other on this mindfulness journey. Don’t hesitate — come and see what it’s all about!
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