The Art of Keeping Your Mind Where Your Feet Are – Even When Your Cat Is Plotting Against You!
The Wandering Mind and the Elusive Present
Let’s be real: “be present in the moment” is the kind of advice that’s been tossed around so much, it’s practically a yoga mat at a free community class. You’ve heard it in guided meditations, seen it embossed on mugs, and maybe even yelled it at yourself while trying to find your keys (which, let’s be honest, are probably in your hand). But what does it really mean to be present? And how do you actually do it without accidentally falling asleep or becoming one with your couch?
Roll in the not-so-average guide to being present – where enlightenment meets my everyday life, and mindfulness comes with a side dish of laughter!
Why Is It So Hard to Be Present? (Or Is It Just Me?)
If you are even somewhat like me and you’ve ever tried to meditate, you will know that telling your brain to “be present in the moment” is like telling a caffeinated squirrel to “just chill out”. One moment you’re “following your breath”, the next you’re contemplating whether penguins have knees or what you’d do if you won the lottery. (Answer: Buy a penguin?)
Brains are busy places. We’re constantly forecasting the future (“Should we have steak or chicken for dinner?”), revisiting the past (“Remember that thing I said in third grade? Yikes.”), and narrating the present (“Wow, I’m doing so great at being present right now!”). Our minds are natural time travellers, which is awesome if you’re writing science fiction, but less awesome when you’re trying to enjoy your cup of coffee without mentally rewriting your to-do-list ten times.
What Does ‘Being Present’ Actually Mean?
Being present isn’t about transcending your earthly existence or turning into a blissed-out monk (robes optional). It’s about experiencing what’s happening right now, instead of living in the future, the past, or the alternate universe where you remembered to water your plants.
It’s noticing the way sunlight spills through your window, the way your toes wiggle in your socks, or the way your neighbour’s dog barks at literally everything. It’s paying attention, without judgment or reactivity, and with a sense of curiosity and acceptance.
And if you find yourself giggling at the absurdity of life, like I often do – that’s presence, too. Congratulations!
Common Myths About Mindfulness (Busted!)
- Myth #1: You must sit cross-legged and hum “Om”.
- Reality: You can be present while doing the dishes, driving to work, or trying to untangle your headphones for the 700th time.
- Myth #2: You have to banish all thoughts forever.
- Reality: Yeah, good luck with that. The goal isn’t an empty mind; it’s a non-judgmental mind. If thoughts arise, just notice them and let them float by – like ducks on a pond or WhatsApp notifications you’re pretending not to see.
- Myth #3: You can only be present if you’re in a serene, candle-lit room.
- Reality: If you can find moments of presence in rush hour traffic, you’re basically a mindfulness ninja. Light a candle for yourself, you deserve it.
Simple (and Sometimes Silly) Ways to Actually Be Present
Here are a few tips and tricks that work for me and that won’t require you to move to a mountaintop or give up your phone forever:
1. The Five-Sense Check-In
Pause and ask yourself: What are five things I can see? Four things I can hear? Three things I can feel? Two things I can smell? One thing I can taste? Congratulations, you’ve just brought your attention to the present… and you’ve probably noticed that your fridge could use a cleaning.
2. Mindful Snacking
Next time you eat a snack, really pay attention to it. Examine that pretzel like it’s the Hope Diamond. Notice the salt, the crunch, the way it tastes better than anything you’ve ever eaten while distractedly scrolling your phone. Bonus points if you narrate the experience out loud in a dramatic voice.
3. The Cat Test
If you have a pet, try watching them go about their day. Cats are masters of living in the moment (and plotting world domination). Observe how your cat investigates a sunbeam, or how your dog reacts to the mysterious sound of a food wrapper. Try to channel their zen, or at least their curiosity.
4. Movement Breaks (The Dance Party Method)
Set a timer for a “present moment” dance break. Put on your favourite song and dance like nobody’s watching (or like everybody is, and you’re auditioning for the next “High School Musical”). You’ll be amazed how much your mind focuses on the present when you’re trying not to step on the cat.
5. The Mindful Shower
Showers are the unsung heroes of mindfulness. Notice the feeling of water on your skin, the smell of soap, the sound of water. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back. If you have an epiphany in the shower, congratulations! You’ve joined the ranks of great thinkers everywhere. Personally I love my “shower and empower” especially my morning shower.
When the Present Moment Is Not That Fun
Let’s get real: not every present moment is a parade of kittens and rainbows. Sometimes, “being present” means feeling bored, sad, or frustrated. And that’s okay! Mindfulness is not about forcing yourself to feel happy all the time, it’s about allowing whatever you’re feeling to exist, and being kind to yourself in the process yet not allowing the emotion to overpower you.
If your present moment is “stuck in traffic”, “waiting in line”, or “listening to someone’s monologue about their stamp collection”, use it as a chance to practice. Notice your feelings, your body, your breath. Maybe imagine you’re the main character in a sitcom, complete with laugh track.
Technology: Friend or Foe?
Ah, technology. Our constant companion, our endless distraction. It’s all too easy to get sucked into the vortex of emails, texts, and videos of goats yelling like humans (it’s a thing).
But your phone doesn’t have to be the enemy of presence. Try this: the next time you reach for your device, pause. Take a breath. Ask yourself, “Do I really need to check my notifications right now, or am I just bored?” Sometimes, the urge to escape the present is just that – an urge. And sometimes, that urge passes if you just notice it.
Bringing Humour and Lightness to Mindfulness
If you’ve read this far, you know that mindfulness doesn’t have to be serious business. In fact, laughter is one of the best ways to anchor yourself in the present. When you laugh, you’re not worrying about tomorrow or replaying yesterday – you’re right here, in the moment, with a goofy grin on your face.
So, find the absurdity in your day. Laugh at your own quirks. Appreciate the cosmic joke of stepping in dog poop right after affirming to yourself, “Today is going to be an awesome and outstanding day!” “HOW FASCINATING” right??? Mindfulness with a wink is still mindfulness.
Conclusion: The Present Is a Gift (and Sometimes It’s Wrapped Weirdly)
Being present doesn’t mean every moment is magical or Instagram-worthy. Sometimes the present is messy, awkward, or just plain boring. But it’s yours – the only moment you really have.
So, next time your mind starts galloping like a stallion stung by a bee into the past or future, invite it back gently. Notice your breath. Wiggle your toes. Maybe even shake your booty a little. After all, the present moment is where life happens. And with a little humour and curiosity, you might just discover it’s more wonderful and weirder than you ever imagined.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find my keys. I’m pretty sure they are here… somewhere… right now.
Go to the “About” section to learn more about Sharon!