_ 121
We have the tendency to live our lives on
autopilot, particularly when we’re really busy.
We start the day by mentally going through our
to-do list in the shower, making a quick call to
a colleague as we head to work, or thinking
about what we’re going to make for dinner
during a walk in the woods. We hardly even
feel the hot water from the shower, and our
attention is everywhere except on what we’re
doing, seeing or eating at that moment. This is
a shame: It keeps us from even noticing how
pretty the sun is shining through the trees, or
how delicious our muesli with yogurt and fresh
raspberries tastes.
All of these moments are actually ‘kicks for
free’, those little moments of joy that are just there
for the taking and which can help offset stress
and discomfort. Training can help you bring your
attention back to the here and now any time so
you can emerge from autopilot now and then to
truly notice those tiny moments of happiness.
Slowing down can also be a huge help.
The following pages contain a variety of
exercises to help you return to what you
are now doing and seeing and to slow down,
and also to help you realize that life isn’t
perfect—and that’s just fine. >LIVING MORE IN THE HERE AND NOW: SOUNDS GREAT,RIGHT? BUT HOW DO WE GO ABOUT IT? IT’S SOMETHING
WE OFTEN FORGET TO DO IN OUR DAILY LIVES. HERE
ARE SEVEN WAYS TO TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH.Insight