Learning how to live in the present moment can and will change your life.
Indeed, it is difficult to change the way your mind works and how you view the world. However, with daily practice, mindfulness, and awareness, you will be able to master the art of living in the present. When we live in the moment, we live life to the fullest; that is, we do not worry about the past and we are not anxious about the future. In other words, we dedicate our entire being to the moment.
How do you learn to accept the present?
1. Acknowledge your emotions
Many people try to run away from how they feel as they are afraid that their emotions will take control. Therefore, they bury their feelings and pretend that they are not there. Doing this is unhealthy and self-destructive as, sooner or later, these emotions will come pouring out and you will feel incapable of stopping them. For this reason, it is better, healthier, and easier to acknowledge your emotions when you feel them. Admittedly, this means accepting that you will often feel hurt and uncomfortable; however, it also means knowing that the pain will be temporary.
2. Do not resist the present
If there is nothing you can do to change your current situation, accept it. We often find ourselves in situations we do not like but cannot change. The perfect example is the Coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown measures which were put in place. Rather than resisting the present and complaining about something you cannot change, accept it. Accepting the present and your current situation will make it easier for you to see (and be grateful for) the little blessings around you.
3. If you can, change it.
When you have the power to change something that makes you unhappy, do it. Living in the present does not mean being passive or submissive. It means being aware of everything that you have and all the opportunities that you are given. When we do not live in the present, we miss out on opportunities. Remember to accept your situation when you cannot change it and to change it when you can. In both cases, you will be living life to the fullest.
4. Do not live in the past or future
Worrying about the past and stressing about the future will not bring about any change. When we ignore the present to focus on the past or future, we engage in self-destructive behavior. That is, we make ourselves feel afraid, anxious, and upset as we do not have any control. Instead of worrying about what has passed or what may come, focus on the present moment. It is the only one that matters.
Of course, learning how to master these four steps will require time, effort, and patience. However, it will undoubtedly be worth it.