Seize the day! Enjoy the life that is.

One of the most satisfying and liberating things to do, is to fully
seize the day in order to appreciate and really live each and every moment.

So much of our time is spent dwelling on the past or dreaming about the future, that the single moments, the only ‘real’ time we have is wasted. One after another they are squandered and frittered away.

How can you seize the day and capture these fleeting seconds?

How do you make the most of all that life has to offer?

The first step is to be fully aware. To keep your mind focused on the present. To immerse your whole being into each second. When you sit down to a meal, taste and really savour the food. Smell the perfume from the flowers and listen to the bird’s song. Practise the art of noticing with out judgement. When your mind begins to wander, bring it back to the present by taking a few deep breaths.

Still the Monkey Mind

Most of the time it is difficult to fully appreciate the present because of the constant ‘thought noise’ in our minds. This distracts us from the ’now’ in all kinds of ways. Chaotic and random thoughts are referred to in Buddhist writing as ‘The Monkey Mind.’ They tumble around in our heads and disturb our ability to be totally present and aware. Whenever you catch your mind engaging in this incessant chatter, focus on your breathing. This is one way of taming the monkey mind. Notice your breath as you inhale and exhale. Visualise it as enters and leaves the body. Relax. Let go. For a moment enjoy the simplicity of just being. Quietly observe your thoughts but don’t interact with them. If the thoughts that arise are disturbing, let them arise and then let them pass.Practice this technique anywhere, at any time. It is a great tool to use in moments of stress to calm you and centre you once again, in the present moment.

Be Positive

Each morning as you wake, trust in and feel positive about the coming day. Believe that it will evolve as it should. Take delight in all the smallest pleasures.Keep returning to the present moment through out the day whenever you can, by focusing on your breathing. Observe that single moment. How does it feel? Often when time is broken down into individual segments like this you realise how simple things actually are. Right here. Right now. Is pretty good.

Count Your Blessings.

Again either first thing in the morning or last thing at night acknowledge all the things you have to be grateful for. It keeps things in perspective, because all too often we overlook and take for granted the many wonderful things we have. Observe all the many things you consider as ordinary, there is beauty there!

Be Alert To Opportunity.

By living each moment consciously, it’s easier to be aware of opportunities as they arise. A clear, focused mind means that they are not missed. All your senses are alert. There are opportunities all around us, it is a question of noticing them. All too often they pass us by because we are not fully present and are too wrapped up in the concerns of the past or the future.

Embrace The Chances.

When the chances arrive. Feel no fear. Simply take one step at a time. Allow yourself the pleasure of enjoying them. As each step builds upon the other, more and more opportunities arise. Sometimes going with the flow can take you in new and unexpected directions. Try not to over think. Enjoy. Just do it!

Seize the day!

Go from Seize The Day to Home Page