1. "The present moment is the only moment available to us, and it is the door to all moments." - Thich Nhat Hanh

2. "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin." - Mother Teresa

3. "Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have." - Eckhart Tolle

4. "The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." - Buddha

5. "The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness. Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing." - Jon Kabat-Zinn

6. "Take account of yourselves before you are taken to account." Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

   (This saying encourages individuals to reflect on their actions and be mindful of their behavior in the present, implying a sense of self-awareness and responsibility.)

Sometimes, life gets really busy, and my thoughts get all jumbled up. It can be overwhelming, and I don't know where to start. That's when I realize I'm too stuck in my head, not paying attention to what's happening right now.

This month, I've been thinking about something I call "being present." It means focusing on what I'm doing or feeling at the moment, not thinking about the past or the future. Surprisingly, just spending 10 minutes doing this clears my mind, relaxes my body, and helps me concentrate better.

Being present feels calming and peaceful. It's like stopping everything and paying attention to my body – noticing if I'm breathing deeply or not, feeling if my muscles are tense, or if I'm warm or cold.

When I'm present, I also notice things outside myself, like how the blossoms falling from trees look like snowflakes, or how the sun feels on my face, or the soft grass under my feet.

A long time ago, my kids taught me about being present. Little kids are always in the moment. They don't worry about what happened before or what's going to happen next. Everything is interesting to them – a leaf, a caterpillar, or even rocks on the ground. Walking with them became an adventure, and they taught me to slow down and enjoy the journey, not just rush to the end.

Now, when I feel too busy and scattered, I remind myself to stop and just "be present." It really makes a big difference.

Here are five key points on how to be present:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises to bring your attention to the present moment. This can include activities like focused breathing, meditation, or simply paying close attention to your surroundings.

2. Limit Distractions: Minimize distractions such as phones, computers, or other electronic devices when you want to be present. Create a quiet and calm environment to help you focus on what's happening in the moment.

3. Use Your Senses: Tune into your senses to anchor yourself in the present. Notice the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you. This helps shift your focus away from thoughts about the past or future.

4. Single-tasking: Instead of multitasking, try to focus on one thing at a time. Whether it's a work task, a conversation, or a simple activity, giving your full attention to one task enhances your connection with the present.

5. Take Breaks: Throughout the day, take short breaks to check in with yourself. Step outside, take a short walk, or simply pause and breathe. These breaks can prevent feelings of overwhelm and keep you grounded in the present moment.

The true essence of our power resides in the now. It is in this very moment that we hold the ability to shape our thoughts, make decisions, and take actions. The past is a reservoir of lessons, and the future, a realm of possibilities. However, it is only in the now that we wield the power to influence our reality. By embracing the present, we unlock our potential to create, transform, and savor the richness of life. The choices we make in this moment ripple through time, shaping the narrative of our existence. Therefore, let us recognize the profound strength embedded in the now and use it purposefully, for it is the canvas upon which our life unfolds.

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