The Present of Being
I spent a lot of time in my 20’s thinking about what I wanted in my future. A husband, kids, a big house, a picket fence. Okay, not that last one, but you know. Everything still felt transitional during that phase of my life. Like I was waiting for life to “happen.”
During my 30’s, I spent a lot of time thinking about my past and how it had affected who I was, even as I was actively building my future with marriage, child, mortgage, etc.
Now, in my 40’s I’m finally beginning to understand the present of the present. Not only the space my life is in currently, but the actual physical and spiritual presence of inhabiting this moment, regardless of the circumstances I reside in.
See, a lot of things happened along the way to make me realize,
- I can never be “enough” for “them.”
- The path I plan is lovely but can change, die, explode or happen in one minute with or without much help from me.
- I’m always either going to be okay, or I’m going to die. Even then, it will be okay.
If I could give one gift to 27-year-old me, it would be the gift of stillness and being fully IN the present on a consistent, reliable basis. There is nothing as powerful as the Power of Now.
It’s not as easy as it sounds.
Our minds (well, my mind!) run a million miles a minute thinking about our lists, our shortcomings, our family, money, etc., etc., etc.
The secret is you are ALREADY perfect for all of it. There is NOTHING you need to do. Everything that has brought you to this moment, everything that is to come from you, everything your ancestors and legacy hope and dream for, is in you exactly as it needs to be already right now.
All you have to do is be.
Being connects you to everything else that is and everything that is not.
As you pause and listen to your blood coursing through your body, bringing life-giving oxygen from the trees to your heart, you can finally remember.
And as you remember, you can connect broader and deeper than you can imagine.
It’s why people become monks and nuns.
Once you feel the divinity that’s accessible when you become still and experience BEING you, there’s nothing on earth that can compare.
Indeed, not the rat race capitalism would like us to believe we need to be part of.
Here are a few ways to practice getting present:
1. 🧘🏻♀️ Meditation
Prayer and meditation ARE related, but praying is usually an output, while meditation is a state of being internally silent, open, and receptive to input. We should learn this skill in kindergarten, but we don’t. It’s as easy as it is hard because we’re so conditioned to DO constantly. It’s very challenging to get our brains to slow down and BE. Apps like Calm.com and brain.fm have guided meditations that help get my mind and body into this zone of “being.” It usually starts with consciously focusing intensely on my breath, body sensations, and connectedness to my surroundings.
2. 🌱 Nature
Being in nature is a form of meditation where you don’t need to lie down or be still to engage. When we connect with this part of who we are, we’re even more able to be present in the present. Infinite examples and stories of our divinity are displayed beautifully in the natural world.
3. 🖌 Art
Being in a meditative state and allowing art to flow through you is a fun way to get tangible representations of the experience of being. It’s different for all of us. THAT’s the beauty!
4. 💃🏻 Movement
Activities like yoga and dance teach us how to focus on our breath and the flow of our bodies. Experiencing how our breath and thought affects our physical abilities is one of the fun side effects of yoga.
5. 🎶 Sound
Sound has measurable frequencies, and so do our bodies. That means we can use sound to help our bodies get on our desired frequency. The 528 Hz frequency is considered the “Love” Frequency. According to science, it lowers anxious behavior and increases concentration. Use sound to enhance your environment and lead you closer to your most authentic self.
6. 🍋 Smell
Essential oils are helpful when you are learning to be present because you can use them to intensify your focus and block out other distractions. They also have unique benefits, such as calming lavender or the energizing of lemon and orange.
7. 🕍 Ritual
There are many rituals in our different cultures that are focused on getting connected to this moment, our breath, and the physical form our spirit inhabits. These rituals can serve as meditations when we focus on the nature, intent, and implementation of the symbolic. It’s also a way to connect to the was, is, and forever will be of our being present experience.
How do you get still and engage in the present moment? I’d love to hear your techniques, struggles, and best practices!
Comment below or reach out at bridgett@theharthabits.com.
#IAMLove
#HealthEquity
#ThePresentofBeing
#PerfectlyImperfect
#connecttospirit
#strengthsfinder
#Boundaries
#rememberYouARELove
👉👉 Used to make this video
🌟Camtasia: https://techsmith.z6rjha.net/JrJPO2
🌟Tubebuddy: https://www.tubebuddy.com/BridgettHart
🌟Canva: https://www.canva.com/join/mzn-ggl-phh
🌟Yeti Blue microphone: https://amzn.to/3kE8YE5
🌟iPhone XR: https://amzn.to/3eBm54X
👀 Seen in this Video:
💍 Wedding ring by Schwarz Jewelry out of Maui, HI: https://www.cmschwarz.com/en
💎 Earrings by Tawapa: https://www.tawapa.com/AUBSCM113/temple-of-light
💇🏻♀️ Purple Hair by https://www.instagram.com/smashthehair_stylist and Viral Shampoo https://amzn.to/3GpIhLT
To support our growth & development:
For fun 🤷🏻♀️my Amazon Wishlist: https://bit.ly/BHartslist
*Video produced and distributed by Hart Connections, LLC for Bridgett Hart*
Interested in working with Bridgett? https://sleek.bio/bridgettrhart
Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/BridgettHart