Being Present
Ciao from Italy! We’ve been in this beautiful country for almost a week and are currently wrapping up our stay in Positano – seriously one of the most stunning places I have ever visited in my life. Every corner is picturesque beyond words and all the photographs you’ve seen simply do not do these views justice! It’s amazing and a much-needed getaway, but at the same time I’ve found myself thinking about home and all the things I need to get done when I get back. BUT – I am trying really, really hard to live more in the now and be present in the moment.
Being Present in the Moment
Being present is something I have always tried to be mindful of, and a huge part of what led me to begin practicing yoga 5 years ago (something I really need to get back into). It makes sense – research has shown that dwelling on the past and negative makes us more likely to be depressed. Waiting for the future to be happy also leads us to be unable to enjoy the present. Whether you’re always dwelling on the past or looking to the future, the problem is that you aren’t living in the now. Of course, we are ALL guilty of doing both, myself included!
For me, I find myself often looking to and planning for the future – great for preparation, but not great for living in the moment. It is also hard to be present when our attention is split between several different tasks at once! A huge part of being present has been putting away the phone for me. I’ve noticed myself and others being on our phones constantly when in the presence of friends. Such a terrible habit that has become so socially common/accepted! I am really trying to make a point to put my phone down when I around the people I am with and give them my full attention.
Social media is also related to this.
I’ve talked about social media not being real life in the past and I stand by this. Real life is ALWAYS > Instagram. Being present and in the moment and not constantly staring at your screen looking at other people’s lives is something I want to practice more over the rest of the year. In fact, if we are hanging out and you see me on my phone, PLEASE call me out on it! My goal is to be able to focus on what is in front of me in that moment, and nothing else.
As cheesy as it sounds, I felt much more grounded and present when I was practicing yoga regularly – which is why I’m considering picking it up again. I have yet to find a yoga studio I absolutely love and adore in LA, so if you have any favorites, please send them my way!! Meditation/Buddhist podcasts are also a helpful tool – I listen to them during my commute to and from work. My favorites are episodes of Audio Dharma led by Buddhist teacher Gil Fronsdal (I’m not Buddhist, I just love his talks and the messages he delivers).
How do you stay present?
xx, Amy
photos: lauren miller
your photos have been absolutely amazing, and i’m so glad you’re enjoying every moment of it. I’ll definitely call you (and myself) out the next time we’re caught snapping or taking photos vs enjoying our Le Bowl. Miss you! Lets go to yoga together!
xo,
linda
Love you, thanks for reading boo! Let’s go to yoga and then get a le bowl. xx
Hope you had an amazing time in Italy my love <3 Love your advice..I also want to work on being more present in the moment and less on social media!! So important 🙂
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhitet.com/2016/09/22/not-your-average-lbd-mwt-bebe-2/
Wonderful thoughts babe. I’m glad to know that you’re also trying (like me!) to be present in the moment. Let’s do yoga sometime!. You look gorgeous btw. Hope you had fun in Italy! xx
http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com/get-through-a-busy-day/
Thank you!! Where do you like to go to yoga? Let’s go!! xx
Amy! I can’t get enough of you. And, that hat is perfect. I wonder if I can pull that off. Lovely lovely post as always. Xx
http://www.inesinla.com
Thank you sweet girl! You can def pull it off ; ) xx
I love that you mentioned being present as relating to happiness. I feel like less and less people are being present and experiencing and rather capturing the moment on their phones. As a blogger, I catch myself not being present as well sometimes but definitely something to work on!
I am interested in starting yoga. I am more of a gym or outdoor activity type of gal, but have you tried aeriel yoga? I would love to know what you think—that is next on my list!
– Jasmine K
http://www.myeunoia.com
Hey Jasmine! I’m glad you can relate – I think spending more time off our phones is something we could all work on. I’ve never tried aerial yoga, but it sounds really fun! Lmk how it is if you decide to go : ) xx