I've always loved this quote from the Beatles' lead guitarist, George Harrison, “It's being here now that's important. There's no past and there's no future. Time is a very misleading thing. All there is ever, is the now. We can gain experience from the past, but we can't relive it; and we can hope for the future, but we don't know if there is one.”
George's words are an excellent reminder of the importance of being mindful and honoring the present moment. For even more mindfulness inspiration, read on for 6 reasons why finding bliss in the present moment will drastically improve your mental health and overall well-being.
It's easy to let your thoughts and emotions take control of your life. It's even easier to judge those thoughts and allow them to influence the way you see yourself and the world.
When you appreciate the present moment, that judgment melts away. You no longer worry about things you said or did. Instead of ruminating on the past, you simply develop an awareness of your thoughts.
Sometimes, procrastination is the result of perfectionism and feelings of overwhelm. The thought of completing an entire large project can seem impossible, so you avoid what needs to be done.
When you're more mindful and present, you remember that it's always a good idea to take things one step at a time. Before you know it, the task is finished.
People who embrace the present don't simply go through the motions of life. They live with intention and make sure each day is meaningful and fulfilling in some way.
Gratitude has powerful psychological benefits , like improved resiliency and happier, healthier relationships. Fortunately, when you're focused on the beauty of the present moment, feeling grateful comes naturally.
Learning how to live in the present can give your overall psyche a massive boost.
Psychology Today writes , “Mindful people are happier, more exuberant, more empathetic, and more secure. They have higher self-esteem and are more accepting of their own weaknesses. Anchoring awareness in the here and now reduces the kinds of impulsivity and reactivity that underlie depression, binge eating, and attention problems. Mindful people can hear negative feedback without feeling threatened.”
Being present will empower you to set boundaries on your time and energy, which frees you from worrying about the past and future. Everyone experiences pain and stress, but mindful people implement healthy boundaries and don't allow these things to ruin their appreciation of the present moment.
In fact, learning how to set boundaries can be a helpful and practical first step to living more mindfully.