One of my favorite quotes by Eckhart Tolle says, “It is not uncommon for people to spend their whole life waiting to start living.” Be honest with yourself—how often have you thought, "Once I have this, then I’ll be happy," or "Once I reach this goal, I can finally start enjoying my life?" But here's the truth: when you reach that goal, there will always be another desire, another milestone. The cycle continues, keeping you waiting for happiness, and life keeps passing by.

So often, we’re distracted by what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow, and we miss out on the moments unfolding right in front of us. Living in the present allows us to truly experience life, to find peace even amidst chaos, and to appreciate the beauty in the small, simple things.

Before we dive deeper into the importance of living in the present, I invite you to pause and tune into this moment—right now. Take a breath, feel where you are, and join me in this guided meditation. Click below or watch on YouTube here.

Peaceful, isn’t it? There’s nothing quite like being fully present in the now.

Now, let me ask you something: if someone told you that you had only 24 hours left to live, how would you react? Would your first thought be, "I can’t wait until I make X amount of money so I can finally be happy?" Probably not. You’d most likely rush to spend time with your loved ones, visit your favorite places, or simply savor the beauty of the present moment.

I don’t mean to sound grim, but tomorrow is never guaranteed. We often feel like we have endless tomorrows, but in truth, we don’t know what the future holds. And that's not meant to scare you—it’s a gentle reminder that all we ever truly have is now. When we are fully present, even the most ordinary moments can become extraordinary.

Don’t waste your time living in the future (which doesn’t exist, by the way). When that future moment arrives, it will just become the present, because it is always the now.

Of course, being present is easier said than done. So, to help you get started, here are a few tips to bring more presence into your life:

1. Focus on Your Breath

Take a few slow, deep breaths, paying attention to the sensation of air flowing in and out. This simple act can instantly bring your awareness back to the here and now.

2. Engage Your Senses + Practice Mindful Observation

When you find your mind wandering, tune into your senses. What do you see, hear, smell, touch, or taste?Take time to notice the little details around you, whether it’s the texture of a leaf, the sound of footsteps, or the feeling of warmth from the sun.

3. Limit Multitasking

Try focusing on one task at a time. Whether you’re eating, working, or walking, give that activity your full attention.

4. Take Breaks from Technology

Set aside times throughout the day to disconnect from technology, even if just for a few minutes, and focus on what’s happening around you.

5. Mindful Walking

The next time you go for a walk, pay attention to the feeling of your feet touching the ground, the movement of your body, and the sights around you. This practice can transform an ordinary walk into a moment of deep presence.

Apps for Practicing Presence

1. Headspace

   • Offers guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to help you build the habit of being present in everyday life.

2. Calm

   • Focuses on relaxation, mindfulness, and sleep, offering a range of exercises and breathing techniques to anchor yourself in the moment.

3. Insight Timer

   • A free meditation app with thousands of guided meditations from different teachers, including ones focused specifically on staying present.

Weekly Assignment: Mindful Eating

The next time you eat a meal or snack, focus entirely on the experience. Notice the colors, textures, and smells. Take slow, deliberate bites, and really pay attention to the flavors and sensations. Eating mindfully can turn an ordinary meal into a moment of presence. (turn off your phone, laptop, tv!)

If you feel called to, you can book a 1:1 coaching session here.

Feel free to drop me a DM on my Instagram page with any suggestions or topics you'd love to see in future newsletters!