Hello everyone !
To live fully in the present moment, we often recommend focusing our attention on the most stable and permanent elements of our experience. Rather than allowing ourselves to be carried away by our thoughts, which tend to lead us into daydreams or distractions due to their rapid and changeable nature, it's more effective to focus on our physical sensations.
Physical sensations are tangible, present and relatively stable, making them an ideal anchor for returning to the present moment. By directing our attention to our bodies, we can avoid getting lost in memories of the past or anticipations of the future. Unlike our thoughts, which can project us into future memories or plans, and sometimes even arouse emotions and desires, our body is always in the here and now.
Feeling our emotions fully can also help us to be present, but this can be difficult for many. However, everyone can easily reconnect to their bodily sensations, which helps to anchor the mind in the present and avoid mental ramblings that take us away from the present moment.
Focusing on physical sensations provides a stability that anchors us in the present moment. However, a common mistake is to think about sensations rather than experience them. Using our mind to focus on sensations keeps us in a mental perception. To live fully in the present moment, it's essential to dive into our bodies, anchor ourselves and feel these sensations directly.
People who are not well anchored often have difficulty perceiving their physical body and managing their emotions. Their consciousness is frequently directed towards higher planes, whether mental or spiritual, making connection with their physical body problematic. This reduced awareness of their physical body can make them feel disconnected or scattered.
To feel fully grounded, imagine an anchor running through your physical being. However, focusing attention on the body through the mind can be a mistake, as it remains a mental perception of physical experience. The mind interprets emotions and physical sensations in an abstract way, rather than through direct experience.
By exploring our different levels of mental, emotional and physical existence, we begin to discern the nuances between these aspects of ourselves. Being fully present requires more than simply thinking about our bodies or telling ourselves we're there. It's about leaving the mental realm, diving into the world of sensations and becoming those sensations. This involves expanding into sensation itself, abandoning mental space and entering a state of deep peace where thoughts can no longer disturb. In this state of expansion, bodily form and spatial location fade away, giving way to profound serenity.
Image edited on canva !