What does it mean to be present? Your mind isn’t wandering. You are not thinking about the past or worrying about the future. You are aware of what is going on around you and your surroundings.

Something I’ve realized recently is that I am spending the majority of my time in the present moment. Something I never thought would be possible. I was a notorious over-thinker and worrier.

It’s a skill I’ve been working on for a while. How do I work on it? The first recommendation is obvious. Practice meditation… every day. This helps you develop an awareness of your thoughts and some control over them. Don’t get frustrated when your mind wanders. It may sound silly, but I coax my mind back to the present much like if you were trying to befriend a wild animal. I use a loving, soft, inviting voice. I remind myself that whatever I was thinking about can wait.

In meditation I try to simply notice everything about my surroundings, the sounds, smells, etc. I love to meditate outside. I listen very intently to hear the smallest of noises. I feel the pressure of my body against the floor, the pull of gravity.

The real game changer for me was when I started finding activities and hobbies I am passionate about. Hiking, yoga and learning to play guitar make me want to focus and be present because I’m in love with what I’m doing. I didn’t realize until recently that the many hours I spend participating in these activities are times I’m totally living in the moment.

Where I still struggle is being present when things are uncomfortable or scary. The work I have done to this point has helped me be able to pinpoint some of the things that trigger me. This allows me to catch myself quickly when I start catastrophizing. I know if I continue to redirect my thoughts back to the present moment when this starts happening, eventually it will be effortless.