We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize. Smile, breathe and go slowly. 

~Thich Nhat Hanh

The transformative signs of autumn are upon us. The falling leaves, cool breeze, and early setting sun are here. But, how many of us waited for the cool breezes of Fall while suffering summer’s humidity, or dreamed of the warmth of spring as we shoveled the last bit of snow from our walks last winter?
    
Just like the seasons come and go, we have transformative moments in our lives that bring change. During these times, our thoughts take many twists and turns. Sometimes, we are stuck ruminating in the past. We think about what might have been, what we should have said or done, and ask “why is this happening to me?” We have no power over what was, yet we spend so much time there, going over the possibilities that no longer exist. We give up our power and waste our energy. Other times, we worry about the future. We are stuck in our heads exploring a long list of worries as anxiety fills our body-mind. We perseverate over the “what ifs” until we are exhausted and drained of our vitality. In these moments, we dream the future and contemplate the past, losing ourselves in the process.
     
Life is fluid. Historically, we lived by the rising and setting sun. We were connected in a deeper way to each moment and we experienced life in real time. Change was natural as we transitioned from moment to moment. Today, we live within the artificial structure of time. Our thoughts bounce back and forth from today to tomorrow in the blink of an eye. Each thought carries energy and gives rise to emotions that are often fear-based. Worry, dread, and anxiety abound. When our thoughts are undirected, our energy and emotions are undirected. There is a “disconnect” within us and we become ungrounded. We can’t focus, lose sleep and are not present. Change becomes a bumpy ride.
     
So, how do we release fear and racing thoughts? How do we become grounded? How do we accept change gracefully and allow personal transformation into our lives? We do so by being in the present moment. The present moment is the most under-rated, least appreciated place, yet it is the most valuable. The present moment is where awareness lives and our journey lies. Living in the present moment helps us to develop the awareness that brings us peace and healing. It allows us to accept “what is” by bringing focus to the experience. It’s all we have. When we live in the present, experiencing each moment, we become part of the life we are living. We slow down. We participate fully. We learn gratitude. We become mindful. We accept change. This grounds us.

The Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, teaches being present through mindfulness. He explores being in the present moment through this poem:

Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment
I know this is a wonderful moment.

He reminds us that the simple act of focusing on the “in and out” of our breath brings our awareness to the present. The simple act of smiling brings us into the present as well, bringing peace and equanimity to our body-mind. He teaches us that contemplating the future or lamenting the past will not enhance this moment but rather make our lives a hodgepodge of anxious transitions. If we can’t find peace in the present moment, it will always be fleeting and unattainable.

So, in the spirit of being present, practice being in every moment whether it is washing dishes, driving to work, brushing your teeth, cooking dinner, or playing with your kids. Breathe into the moment, focus on what you are doing, and gently bring your attention back if distracted. Take time each day to sit and breathe mindfully. This will set the foundation of calm that we need when change comes into our lives.

Try this exercise for five minutes:

Sit comfortably in a quiet place. Turn off your phone. Eliminate distractions. Close your eyes. Notice your breath entering and leaving your body. Pay attention to the quality of your breath. Is it smooth or choppy? Deep or shallow? Allow your breath to become calm, drawing it in slowly as you relax your face and shoulders, allowing your belly to expand naturally. Exhale and relax your belly. Focus on your breath and imagine your belly is a balloon, filling and emptying as you inhale and exhale. Choose a point of focus. Perhaps, the sound of your breath or the sensation and movement of your belly as the breath enters and leaves your body. Re-direct your attention back to the breath if you become distracted by your thoughts or environment. When ready, bring your attention back to your surroundings. Open your eyes.

This is the practice of “being.” As Deepak Chopra says, “You are a human being, not a human doing.” That is something to be mindful of every day. So, develop the practice and watch yourself transform.

Milissa Castanza Seymour M.S., C.H. is a N.Y.S. certified teacher and has been involved in the healing arts for over twenty-five years. She is a professional, practicing Numerologist whose accomplishments include certifications as a Prana Yoga Teacher, Integrative Yoga Therapist/Holistic Health Educator, Consulting Hypnotist, Reiki Master Teacher, and Inner-Soul Coach. www.inner-soulcoaching.com.