Ideas From My Readers On How To Stay In The Moment

In response to my last newsletter called “Can’t Find Your Purpose? Find Out How” I received a ton of great letters back to my question: how do YOU stay present in the moment? Here are your insightful and wonderful responses.

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Hi Alvin,

Fantastic rolling billboards!!!!

I wish I could say that I am always able to stay in the moment.  I’m not.  But I will say that when I do accomplish being in the moment, it is incredibly powerful, and as you say “purposeful”.  One way that I have accomplished it at times, is to say to myself, “No matter what else may be calling to me, I CHOOSE to focus on this one thing and put my energy on that.”  If I am fully present with that one thing then I can accomplish more than if I allow myself to be overwhelmed with all the chaos around me.

Great writing today, Alvin!

- Carolyn

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Hey Alvin…

My name is Tamara and i work with lululemon athletica in Kelowna BC….  We met in the summer and did an amazing sacred dance class in the park.

I just want to thank you for these emails.  They always seem to arrive at about the time i need to read them.

Present in the moment…hmmmmmm.
i breathe.  slow everything down and breathe, where ever I am, and hold that one moment…and let it go. And if that doesnt’ work, I dance.  big or little, soft or funky, i move…it brings me back to my body and out of my head.

It usually works, but hey, practice makes present!

love and gratitude,
Tamara

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I stay present knowing that in this exact moment it is precisely where I am meant to be. I can fight it, live with it, embrace it, or just be in it!  Nonetheless, it’s where I am! xox
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Hi Alvin,
In response to your question on how to stay in the present moment amidst chaos,  I try to remember that every moment in our lives is like a sentence in the chapter- and ultimately – the book of our lives. We are experiencing a sequence of events that are connected with energy, and these events will SOMEWHAT shape the course of our lives.  I say somewhat, because the most important thing to remember is that our thoughts are the most powerful tools we have during chaotic times. With a positive outlook and a firm decision that we can gain strength and experience from the things that life throws our way, we can get through anything. So let’s remember to make the best of each day, no matter how chaotic,  because tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Right now many of us have lost our jobs, fore closed on homes, and feel a loss one way or another. I know that this too shall pass, and with faith and perseverance good things will come soon for us.   I choose to live each day with a smile on my face, and I hope you do as well!

Thank you,

Zahra

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As I was reading your thoughts on purpose, I realized that lately I have been just BEING & being okay with that fact. Even if I catch myself thinking about events I am planning in the future, I am more at ease with allowing my heart or mind to wander in the possibilities of the future without feeling guilt for not being more present in the here & now. I think true purpose comes in a forgiving or letting go of expectations that we give ourselves so that we clear the way of our egos in order to give to others.

-Suzanne

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I am usually very excited about whatever I am doing at that exact moment.  Focusing on the task and doing it to the best of my ability.
But I have found myself feeling guilty about NOT worrying about everything else. Such as more family time, more clients, less volunteering, more volunteering, our retirement account, savings, a neater home, turning in our car at the end of it’s lease and not replacing it, etc.

Today, I should say beginning today, I know that I am doing the right thing by living in the moment and knowing that it’s my purpose.
I lost so many family members between the age of 12 and 20.Some tragically. I always try to have a Plan A, B, C.  People ask me why are you so happy.  My response is that life is too short and you never know how long you have on this planet, so live it to the fullest today.  I take my own advice for the most part, but there is always a wee bit of guilt about not doing it alllllllllll. I’m going to try harder to ignore the “alllll feeling”.

Take care!
Kari

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I was fortunate to have found my purpose early in my life.  I came here to love.  It’s so easy and it can be done anywhere and with anyone.  Living that purpose has taken me on some very enjoyable and joy-filled experiences and also taken me to desperate and sad connections.  But I always connect in my heart to being in this moment, with this person, in front of me is the most important purpose I have in this life.  They are what I focus on and love the moment for, being in their space and sharing a connection, however that connection manifests.  It’s what I’m meant to be, love.  It’s what most resonates in my soul, in my being-ness.  A smooth running wave.  Sometimes I hit an undertow, other times, I surf it like glass.  I wouldn’t want my life to be any different.  It has such fullness and beauty.
-Lisa

What Is Your Truth?

Recently I was struggling with my business. It wasn’t a question of money, irate clients, back-logged product, or a server crash. It wasn’t angry contractors, bossy managers, or accounts payables not paid.

It was about what I was saying.

These times we live in gives us endless possibilities to “say” what we want. We have email, SMS, voice mail, faxes, cell phones, satellite phones, landlines, video conferencing, old fashioned snail mail, and, oh yeah, talking face to face.

There’s no shortage of ways to communicate.

But all those technologies are rendered useless when you don’t know what it is you want to say. Read more

Deeper Truths

As some of you may already know, I am training for my very first adventure race. What is an adventure race you ask?

Well it is a 12 hour or more trek across barren desert on a mountain bike and whatever is on your feet. The event is mixed in with bouts of swimming and kayaking. This is not a solo sport – you have team members, navigation skills, and immense strategy.

My realization that I want to share with you this week is that I fell into the trap of telling others about the adventure race because it would feed my ego. In fact, whenever I told somebody I was going to do this race, I emphasized how little I knew about it, thereby magnifying the WOW factor of actually doing it.

My dear guide Carrie and my lovely fiancee Jaime turned the mirror quickly in my face and made me ask myself, why am I doing this race? Why would I want to push myself so hard? Is it all just for momentary admiration or is there something deeper?

I realized there is greater depth in doing this race but I let ego take over for a while – like a cloud obscuring the true radiance of the sun. I realized that I really do love to explore, mountain bike and be in nature. That is the reason I am doing this race.

So… I leave you with this thought. What do you brag about, boast about, talk about repeatedly that is merely a way to reinforce your ego? Your sense of status, achievement, power? And then… what is the true motivation behind those activities? You may discover something quite sincere, quite true, yet covered by a different (and false) story.

Happy Uncoverings,
Alvin.