Being Present Matters
Being Present Matters
By Hannah Conry, DC
“Always hold fast to the present. Every situation, indeed every moment, is of infinite value, for it is the representative of a whole eternity.”
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
In this very moment everything is okay and you are safe. This does not discount the need to respond appropriately if that isn’t the case for you right now. If we really take a look at where we are sitting or standing or for me writing this, we are fine. Depression is often a state of dwelling in the past (I know that there are genetic reasons and predispositions that can drive a person’s experience of depression) and focusing on the things that have gone wrong. Anxiety is worry about what could happen in the future (see the statement above for depression as it applies her too) and a focus on the worst case scenarios. Imagine if we collectively would start making a conscious choice to base our feelings and our focus on what is happening in this very moment, and then the next moment, and then the next moment, etc. I believe that over time we would see a decrease in health issues and an increase in our mental/emotional wellbeing. In fact that is what the research supports. This is why being present matters.
Present Moment Awareness is the official term that psychologists use when describing this state of being. Innumerable studies have been conducted to learn how PMA can affect our health and here are a few ways:
Boosts overall well-being
Lowers stress
Lowers chronic pain
Reduces appetite
Lowers smoking and alcohol use
Creates a state of being more open to new experiences
Better sleep
Lessens mood fluctuations
With this list of benefits there is no reason to not start working towards being more present. There is no downside and it is free! It is a skill that needs to be practiced and becomes easier over time, but we will never get good at it without putting in the effort.
The best way to start its by making a conscious choice to choose being in each moment as it comes. That doesn’t mean that thoughts won’t arise, just don’t go down the rabbit hole with them. “Huh, that’s an interesting thought” and move forward with your mindfulness. When in conversation with another, fully listen, not worrying about what your are going to say in response, just be in the moment. It will strengthen your relationships as a bonus. Nature can be a great teacher of being present. When I have patients that have been stuck in a disembodied, worry cycle for who knows how long, I tell them to get out in nature for a walk. During this walk allow your gaze to be soft and fully take in your surroundings looking near and far, hear the crunch of your feet, the rustling of leaves, the songs of the birds, smell the tree sap in the warm sun, the blooming flowers, feel the breeze on your skin, or the sun, or the sprinkle of rain. Be a human being and not a human doing for this moment and choose that with each step.
Being in the moment allows us to experience the moment where as worry, stress, anxiety, depression steal your moments away. My father, Dr. Force, many years ago asked a visiting professor from China that was teaching in his acupuncture course “what do you think the number one reason is that Americans are so unhealthy?”. And he said, “Ah, that’s easy. Too much hurry, too much worry”. Be present for your own health and to influence those around you to use this tool for their health too.