Most of the time, we are racing against the clock in an effort to complete tasks before the deadline, catch up with friends and family, fit a workout into a spare moment, and so on. Our bodies and thoughts become like constantly moving gears as a result. We are attempting to prioritize and manage our time so that we can finish the never-ending list of things that need to get done while juggling several obligations and wearing numerous hats.We frequently waver between the things that need to be done and the things that we have already completed. We are rarely really engrossed in or absorbed by the moments we are in. Rather than being focused on the "now" of our existence, our thoughts and feelings are frequently connected to previous events or future ambitions. Mindfulness is the foundation of living in the present. Being fully aware of our experiences as they occur and living in the "here and now" of our lives are made possible by engaging in mindfulness practices. Developing awareness takes time and may need a complete reevaluation of our entire way of living, with all of its ups and downs.

Therefore, mindfulness is paying close attention to and being acutely aware of your life as it is happening right now. Practicing guided meditation, journaling, focused breathing techniques, utilizing guided imagery to elicit introspection, and many other techniques designed to help you relax and bring your body and mind back to the present moment are all part of becoming aware.

What is the Context Behind All Stated Above ~ 

Being in the present moment, or the “here and now,” means that we are aware and mindful of what is happening at this very moment. We are not distracted by ruminations on the past or worries about the future, but centered in the here and now. All of our attention is focused on the present moment.

As famous author Myrko Thum tells it, the present moment is all there truly is:

“The present moment is the only thing where there is no time. It is the point between past and future. It is always there and it is the only point we can access in time. Everything that happens, happens in the present moment. Everything that ever happened and will ever happen can only happen in the present moment. It is impossible for anything to exist outside of it.”

Consciousness vs. Escape ~

When someone can't see and accept their reality, they may confuse or mistake mindfulness as escape and resort to temporary diversion or coping techniques as a way to deal with unpleasant circumstances. Escapism, however, only works temporarily and will not improve your mental health over time. In actuality, it would be harmful to your emotional and mental well-being. The momentary satisfaction that comes from not handling unpleasant feelings and situations well does not provide you with the necessary resources to handle the aforementioned in a constructive and healthy manner. Developing awareness in your approach to and internalization of life and its experiences will mold you in the ways that experiences mold you.

(Source: Google Images) 

Being in The Present Moment ~ 

Being conscious of who you are, what you're experiencing, where you are in space, and what you're doing at any given time is essential to living in the present. Our attitude toward life as it happens to us has a big impact on how we feel at the time and how experiences shape and influence us over time. A more contented existence is ultimately the result of having a stronger sense of connection to the present. You try to learn as much as you can from all of the encounters, people, and challenges that life presents.

Why It's Not Always Easy to Live in the Now ~ 

We are constantly urged to consider the future or ruminate on the past, which makes it extremely challenging to live in the now. Reminders, alerts, messages, advertisements, and notifications are frequently focused on the past or the future. Consider how frequently the unexpected "ding" of your phone throws you off balance while you are focused on something else, maybe even completely absorbed in it. Now consider how often receiving that message or notice aids in your ability to remain mindful in the current moment. Your answer to that, if you're anything like me, is probably "Just about never." Even though our phones are amazing pieces of technology that let us do so much more and do it so much more quickly than ever before, we really need take a vacation from them occasionally.
Our incapacity to live in the present is also influenced by the following factors:

1. We frequently downplay the negative aspects of our history, giving the impression that it was happier than it actually was.
2. Living in the present presents us with a great deal of ambiguity, which may be unsettling.
3. We just have a tendency to daydream!

We miss out on the opportunity to fully appreciate the present when our thoughts stray and oscillate between the past and our fears of what lies ahead. We lose out on today's delight when we are consumed with an unending list of things to do or worry about a deadline that is drawing close. You may better manage how you feel, behave, say, and absorb events by engaging in mindfulness practices and being aware of your whole being in the present moment. Stop worrying about the past, stop concentrating on the future, and start living more in the present!