5 Ways to Be More Present in 2020

Welcome to the new decade, GR8 ones. We made it, and we’re here, or are we? As time passes, we’ve got to ask ourselves how rooted we are in the here and now. It’s so easy (and likely) to get caught up in the past and future. The new year brings us a new mark in time to assess: how can we be more present?

1. Turn Up the Volume

A good tune is everything, but this isn’t referring to that. Instead, what were to happen if you went one full day doing nothing but listening? What sounds do you think you would hear if you perhaps weren’t focused on what’s in front of you or where you place your attention usually?

Turn down the mind chatter and turn up the volume on your surroundings. Listen to the auditory sensations of everyday life. You might find yourself with a sharpened ability to listen to others as well as yourself.

2. Start Practicing Gratitude

One way to place your feet firmly where you are is to search for the positive in any given room or situation. And looking for the positive doesn’t need to be an elaborate and profound epiphany.

It can be as simple as looking around and asking yourself if I were to compliment something right now, what would it be? If there is someone physically around that would make sense to compliment, that’s fantastic and kind. However, it doesn’t need to be limited to that. It could be something as simple as how the sky looks right now. If there is no one to compliment, feel the weight of gratitude instead.

3. Abuse Your Airplane Mode

Digital devices can undoubtedly serve as self-transporting systems to another place. Sometimes that place is your mailbox with tasks piling up, sometimes it’s a funny video you’ve been sent from a friend far away, and sometimes it’s just scrolling through photo contents of the past year in your camera roll.

Wherever your device tends to bring you, book yourself a one-way ticket back to the present by using and abusing that airplane mode function. Putting your phone down is an excellent way to limit distraction, but airplane mode will ensure that those notifications come through when you’re good and ready for them too.

4. Become Conscious of Your Mind-Body Connection

There is so much evidence across spirituality and science that the mind and body are connected. People dedicate studies of all sorts to the very idea. Bringing consciousness to your mind-body connection is useful in grounding yourself in the present. Especially if your mind tends to wander despite where you are or need to be physically.

Consciousness may allow you to discover where the disconnect is, and instead of it affecting you on a subconscious level, you will be aware and able to address it if you choose.

5. Make Things Mindful

Practicing mindfulness during everyday life is a GR8 way to make sure you’re not mentally drifting elsewhere. Similar to consciousness, it’s a mental recognition of where you are, but also what it means.

When you feel like you’re having difficulty being present, open yourself up to the information around you through mindfulness. Practice intentionally thinking while brushing your teeth, eating, driving, or even working out.

Becoming more present in 2020 might not come automatically. However, with some practice and mind-shifting, you can start to enjoy a life that is more present and ready to serve your experience.