Taming the Monkey Mind 

"Realise deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life." - Eckhart Tolle

Do you ever feel like your mind is jumping from one thought to another like a monkey swinging wildly from branch to branch? Worrying about the future or dwelling on the past mixed with modern day hectic schedules can bring chaos to your present moment.

This constant stream of thoughts can make it difficult to focus on the present moment and fully engage in what you are doing. Instead, your mind may be filled with worries, regrets, or future plans, which can prevent you from fully experiencing and enjoying the present. This monkey mind can also lead to overthinking and analysis paralysis, where you are constantly second-guessing yourself and unable to make decisions. Overall, the monkey mind can increase your stress level and create distraction, making it challenging to stay present and fully immerse yourself in the here and now.

What Is Present-Moment Awareness?

Present-moment awareness refers to the practice of being fully aware and engaged in the current moment, without being preoccupied by thoughts of the past or worries about the future. It is a state of being fully engaged and focused on the task or activity at hand, often described as being "in the zone" or experiencing a "flow state." In this state, one is completely absorbed in the present moment, with a heightened sense of awareness and clarity. Distractions and thoughts about the past or future are minimised, allowing for a deep connection and immersion in the present experience. It is a state of mindfulness and presence, where one's attention and energy are fully directed towards the present moment.

What Are The Benefits of Staying Present?

Staying present and "in the moment" offers a multitude of benefits, including improved focus, reduced stress, and increased enjoyment of daily life. Practicing present-moment awareness helps individuals to stay grounded, manage their emotions, and reduce feelings of anxiety and overwhelm throughout difficult times.

Reduced Stress

When we are fully present, we are better able to manage our thoughts and emotions, and we can approach challenges with a clearer and calmer mindset. By practicing mindfulness and staying present, we can also become more aware of our stress triggers and learn to respond to them in a more proactive and healthy way. This can help to reduce the cumulative effects of stress on our mental and physical well-being.

Appreciation

Being present allows for greater appreciation of life's simple pleasures and fosters a sense of gratitude and contentment. Practicing present-moment awareness can lead to increased resilience, better decision-making, and a greater sense of overall happiness and fulfilment. When we are fully present, we are able to notice and savour the small joys and experiences that often go unnoticed when our minds are preoccupied with the past or future. By staying present, we become more attuned to the beauty and abundance that surrounds us, and this awareness naturally leads to a greater appreciation and gratitude for the present moment and all that it entails.

Better Focus

Staying present improves focus because it allows us to fully engage with the task at hand and avoid distractions. When we are present in the moment, we are able to concentrate on the task and give it our full attention. This helps us to better understand and absorb information, make more accurate decisions, and perform tasks more efficiently. By being present, we are also able to better manage our thoughts and emotions, reducing stress and anxiety that can hinder our focus. Overall, staying present allows us to be more mindful and aware, leading to improved focus and productivity. 

Greater Connection

Staying present allows for a deeper connection with others and the environment, resulting in more meaningful and fulfilling experiences. When we are fully present, we are able to listen attentively, understand others' perspectives, and empathise with their experiences. This deep level of connection fosters trust, understanding, and a sense of belonging, which strengthens our relationships and overall sense of connection with others. 

How do you stay present?

"Mindfulness isn’t difficult, we just need to remember to do it." - Sharon Salzberg

Here are some simple practices that you can incorporate into your daily activities to help calm the monkey mind, fostering more presence in your everyday life. 

Mindful Breathing

Deep breathing is a simple yet effective grounding technique that brings you back to the present moment. Breath-work increases oxygen levels throughout your entire body leaving you feeling alert and energised. Take a moment to pause and take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, allowing your belly to expand. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing any tension or stress. Repeat this several times, focusing on the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your focus back to your breath.

Spend Time In Nature

Walk in the park, dip in the ocean, or simply sit outside and observe the natural world around you. When you are surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of nature, it becomes easier to focus on the present moment and appreciate the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Spending time in nature is in itself a mindfulness technique. It has a way of grounding us and reminding us of the bigger picture, helping us to let go of worries and stresses of daily life. Nature often provides us with a sense of calm, increases our serotonin levels and improves our mental well-being.

Focus On One Thing At A Time

From time to time, our attention is spread over a multitude of tasks but it's important to just try and focus on one thing at a time. When you're eating, just eat. When you're working, concentrate on the task at hand. When you're reading a book to your kids, enjoy the quality time and just read to them. Avoid the urge to multitask because we know that it dilutes the quality of our work, conversations and ultimately connections and experiences with people and place.

Slow Everything Down

When we are constantly rushing and trying to do multiple things at once, our minds are scattered and we are not fully present in any one activity. By slowing down the way we talk, eat and move, we give our full attention to one thing at a time which often improves the quality of our work and our experiences. 

Be Where You Are

"Wherever you go, there you are." - Jon Kabat-Zinn

Reminding yourself throughout the day to "be where you are" is a simple exercises that helps you to focus on the current moment and not get caught up in thoughts or worries about the past or future. You can set a timer every couple of hours and ask without judgement "Where am I? What thoughts have I had? What am I feeling?"

Practice Yoga

Through the practice of yoga, you are naturally encouraged to pay attention to the sensations in your physical body during the various yoga poses resulting in you being fully present and in the moment. The deep breathing exercises in yoga (pranayama) also help to calm the mind and bring your attention to the present moment. By practicing yoga regularly, you develop a greater awareness of your body, mind, and breath, which allows you to stay more present in your daily life, even off the yoga mat.

 Mindful Meditation

"Meditation is the ultimate mobile device; you can use it anywhere, anytime, unobtrusively." - Sharon Salzberg

One of the most well-known present moment techniques involve meditation practices. There are many forms of meditation that help you focus your attention on the present moment, observing your thoughts and sensations without judgment. You can infuse your space with an essential oil or essential oil spray and focus your attention on what you can smell during your meditation. You can focus your attention on a particular object, a thought, your breath or mantra and if your mind wanders, you can gently bring it back to the theme of your meditation. You can start with a few minutes at a time and build in length as you get more comfortable with the practice.

Aromatherapy

The practice of inhaling and experiencing the aroma of essential oils, often associated with aromatherapy,  can be a useful trigger towards being more mindful and present. Inhaling scents like honey myrtle, sandalwood and Australian white cypress which are found in our Australian Essential Oil blends, can have a direct impact on the limbic system, the part of the brain associated with emotions and memory, promoting a sense of relaxation and mindfulness. Burn your favourite essential oil, use it as a perfume, or spray your space with an essential oil spray to awaken your senses. This sensory awareness can help shift your focus away from racing thoughts and into the present moment.

Senses Check-In

Engaging your senses is a powerful way to bring yourself into the present moment. Take a moment to notice what you can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Pay attention to your physical sensations and the details of your surroundings, such as the colours, sounds, and textures.

The Gift Of Staying Present

Overall, the benefits of staying present cannot be overstated. It not only improves mental and emotional well-being, but also enhances the quality of everyday life. By implementing present moment techniques into your daily routine, such as breathing, yoga and connecting with nature, individuals can enjoy greater focus, reduced stress, and a deeper appreciation for the moments that matter most. Practicing these mindfulness exercises are key components to feeling more focused, calm and in control and the secret to living a more fulfilled and happy life. 

What are your waiting for. Roll out your cork yoga mat, connect with your breath, your body and senses. For a more sustainable practice and to feel natural cork beneath your feet and hands, choose from our selection of cork yoga mats and restorative yoga props. If you're looking for the best Australian Essential oils, awaken your senses with our pure Essential Oils and Essential Oil Room Sprays in our signature scents, Focus, Cleanse and Breathe.