This is an excerpt from 33 Ways Not to Screw Up Creative Entrepreneurship.
Where are you right now? Yes. Literally take a deep breath in and exhale out in this moment, asking yourself, “What am I thinking about? Am I present?” Or were you thinking about next week’s schedule, or your upcoming weekend plans?
How often are you not in the moment? By asking yourself these questions it will begin to force you to consider being more present. There’s something to be said about the richness of this moment, right here right now. We are all bombarded by noise, the hum of city traffic, the glaring sounds from the TV, commercials, fearful news, and constant social media posts. And then there is often the overriding fear of missing out.
So given all of above, how often are we connected to our bodies? Do you ever stop and think about the beauty of how your heart pumps this nourishing liquid through your veins to keep all of your organs in action? Yeah, why would you stop and think about that? But the reality is that simply as human beings, we are pretty fascinating. Yet we take ourselves and each other for granted.
We don’t mean to do this. Living in the moment requires us to address what is real. So many people want to escape or find ways to numb their reality. I bring this up because as Creatives, we are at our best when we are fully engaged in the moment!
Inspiration comes from moment to moment awareness. If you are detached and zooming around in a frenzy of busyness, you could miss it. Opportunities are funny. Sometimes like a taxi, they will circle back and U-Turn to get to you or they will simply keep on going.
We have these amazing bodies/machines that we walk around in. I call it the shell I walk in. I’m fortunate to be graced with this body for all of these years. It has served me well. And I’m doing my best to honor it by maintaining it in the best way possible. I encourage you to find ways to celebrate yourself regularly.
Very much like I recommended you take time for your family members, be sure to do the same for yourself. It’s about you protecting your capacity with yourself as well. Does a weekly workout keep you in the moment? Maybe you have a monthly ritual where you find time to connect with nature. Take a hike.
Taking time to be in the moment does not cost anything. Museums have opened back up (at least at the writing of this book) and provide a significant amount of space to socially distance while enjoying the wonders of other creatives. Get out and listen to some live music. Try focusing on the various instruments and discerning where the sounds are coming from. Catch how many times your brain wanders off, and draw it back to the present moment with the sounds of the music.
A dear new friend makes candles. I love the practice of pouring the wax and the scent that settles in. I also love the illumination of the light both in the day and the night. Next time you have a candle burning, check out the flame. How it waves back and forth, and the color variations.
Find your own ways to draw yourself into the current moment. I have a dog and sometimes, it’s the way he looks at me that reminds me to be present for him. Our furry family friends live in the moment all of the time. Lastly, take yourself to a mirror and look at yourself for a while. Focus on your eyes. Give yourself a couple of deep breaths. Enjoy that time with yourself for yourself. It means a lot. If no one else has quality time to give you, give it to yourself. These opportunities will afford you future support when times get stressful. Moreover, they will sharpen your ability to focus.
