Being still... Being Present...

"To the mind that is still the whole universe surrenders." 

Taoist Ideal

When was the last time your mind felt still?
If you're like most people, it has probably been quite a while. 

We spend most of our time thinking about the past, anticipating what comes next, and planning for the future.  Rarely, do we spend time only in the present moment.   Why is this?  Why does it seems so hard to keep a focus on the present moment without leaping from one thought to the next, to the next?  Buddhists call this phenomenon the "Monkey Mind." So if you feel like a "monkey," you're not alone.

Often we can most easily tap into the present moment through an activity that we enjoy - exercising, painting, drawing, singing, yoga, running, walking, reading, etc. We get absorbed in the moment in this activity and so it feels easier to "be still" after the activity is completed.  That is why at the end of a yoga class, it ends in meditation.  Can you relate to this?

If so, here is my challenge to you:

Schedule a time for yourself, today or tomorrow, to do an activity which you can get lost in.  And really allow yourself to get lost in it.  After you are done, try sitting in a comfortable position and close your eyes for 3 minutes (set a timer if you'd like).

Just notice how you feel after having completed your activity. Focus on your breath if you'd like. Don't judge yourself.  Just give yourself 3-minutes to practice "being still" and  being in the present.  The key here is PRACTICE.  Being truly PRESENT comes with PRACTICE.  And the good news is you can't fail if you are willing to try.