What are you doing right now? What are you thinking about? Are you distracted? If you’re like me, you are thinking about the future and keeping tabs on your smartphone. You likely have a laundry list of things to worry about in the future, including bills, social events, that bump on your back turning cancerous, etc. Well, I have a magical way you can cure your worries and anxieties: live in the now.

It’s Easier Said Than Done

I meditate twice a day, and my main goal is to live in the moment while meditating. I try to take in my surroundings using all five of my senses. And, I suck at it. I’d say my mind wanders off and plans what I’m going to do when those damn bamboo flutes and rain forest sounds shut up about 75 percent of the time.

It ain’t easy. However, I’ve found that my practice has significantly improved my ability to live in the now. What do I mean by living in the now? I’m not talking about shirking all of your responsibilities to run off to some hippie commune (not that there’s anything wrong with that.) I’m talking about being more present in your day-to-day life.

People Deserve Your Attention

When was the last time you gave someone your full, undivided attention? I struggle with this. Bill Clinton was famously amazing at it. You don’t get a nickname like “Slick Willy” without knowing a thing or two about charming others. Yet, the key is simple: you need to learn to put the rest of the world out of your mind – your smartphone, what you’re doing later in the day, what you’re going to say next, etc. – and enjoy the person in front of you. Or, be present in whatever you are doing.

The more you live in the now, the more you take in the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and feelings of what you are currently doing, and the fewer worries you will have. And, people will enjoy being around you more. Give it a try today, and don’t get pissed when you suck at it. It takes practice. Apparently, A LOT of practice. Ugh.

What are your thoughts? Should I shut up about the hippie/new agey crap and grow a pair? Share your comments below.