I recently visited Sedona for a solo trip which was an inspiring and interesting experience. Traveling alone can expose many of our patterns. I made an agreement with myself prior to leaving that I would not check my phone, email or social media with the exception of once a day. I have an amazing team to monitor business needs for a few days without my being present. This is where the journey began. Realizing what it truly means to be present with ourselves without any distractions, stimulation from others or entertainment with the exception of ourselves and nature can be challenging. I found it exhilarating after a couple of days of detoxing. Starting to be fully present and enjoying life more can be a transformative journey if we are up for it.
Here are some steps I found that have helped me to cultivate a greater sense of presence and enjoyment:
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It involves observing your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without getting caught up in them. Regularly engage in mindfulness meditation or simply take a few minutes each day to bring your attention to the present moment. This practice has helped me in more ways than I can recount.
- Slow down and savor the moment: In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to rush through life without truly experiencing it. Make a conscious effort to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of life. Whether it’s enjoying a meal, spending time in nature, or engaging in a hobby, give yourself permission to fully immerse yourself in the experience. I took myself on a couple of dates and enjoyed dinner and a great glass of wine with my own company and left feeling more content than many dinners I have shared with others.
- Let go of distractions: We live in a digitally connected world where distractions are abundant. Set aside dedicated time each day to disconnect from technology and be fully present. Turn off notifications on your phone, designate specific times for checking emails or social media, and create tech-free zones or hours. By reducing distractions, I found myself being able to engage and be present in my location in the mountains and the activity I was doing.
- Cultivate gratitude: Practicing gratitude can shift your focus from what’s lacking in your life to what you appreciate and enjoy. Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. It could be as simple as appreciating a beautiful sunset, a supportive friend, or a good cup of coffee. Regularly acknowledging and expressing gratitude can help you develop a positive mindset and enhance your enjoyment of life. Ending every day by saying I am grateful three times to myself sounds silly and it impacts me in a positive way so I do it.
- Engage in activities that bring you joy: Make a conscious effort to incorporate activities that bring you joy and fulfillment into your daily life. Identify hobbies, interests, or passions that make you feel fully alive and engaged. It could be anything from painting, dancing, playing a musical instrument, or practicing yoga. I booked two star gazing tours at night on the top of the red rocks and they were two of the best nights!
- Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is crucial for being present and enjoying life. Prioritize self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being. When you take care of yourself, you create a solid foundation for yourself to feel good and be present.
- Embrace imperfection and let go of expectations: Often, our own expectations and perfectionistic tendencies can prevent us from fully enjoying the present moment. Embrace the imperfections of life and let go of the need for everything to be perfect. Accept that life is a journey with ups and downs, and that each moment is an opportunity for growth and learning. Learn to laugh when things go wrong versus allowing them to rob you of joy. This is a daily practice for me.
Remember, cultivating presence is a practice that takes time and patience. Be patient with yourself and approach it as an ongoing process rather than a destination. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can gradually enhance your ability to be fully present and enjoy the richness of each moment. I personally practice every day knowing some days will be better than others and that is ok by me.
Be kind to yourself,
Haley
