Living in the now
In this post, I would like to elaborate and explore one of the biggest lessons I learned from the African continent: LIVING IN THE NOW.
‘Living in the now’ - These words can seem very easy to say, even to write and it seems that this topic is currently a talked about subject at this current time. What does it mean? Is it that difficult? Is our society ready for a NOW living moment? Or do we prefer to live in TOMORROW to avoid the pain, but we get stuck in the YESTERDAY not being able to forget?
In a previous post, I commented that I had lived in Tanzania for a couple of years, and there I learned what it meant for me – ‘living in the now’. I don’t know if you have ever been in the African continent, or if you ever visited any of its countries, but I can assure that once you do it will change you forever.
I was already a well-travelled person before my time in Tanzania. I had previously visited 42 other countries, but I can say out loud that none of them had impacted me as Tanzania did. The Tanzanian culture was completely alien to me. The way Tanzanians live and think is a stark contrast to the rest of the typical Western world.
Tanzanians are deeply connected to the earth. Most live without concrete or wooden floors, walking around either barefoot or in flip-flops. You might be thinking, "Why is this such an influence?" Well, after spending two years there, I found that I too hardly wore shoes. This connection with the earth grounded me in a way I will never be able to fully articulate.
Living in a culture so intimately tied to the land shifted my perspective. I began to feel the pulse of the earth beneath my feet, a constant reminder of the simplicity and beauty life holds when we strip away the distractions of modern living. Each moment became a lesson in mindfulness, urging me to stay present and appreciate the world around me.
Now, as I reflect on my journey, I realise that Tanzania has woven itself into the very fabric of my being. The grounding sensation of walking barefoot on the Tanzanian soil is a feeling I carry with me, reminding me of the importance of connection— to ourselves, to nature, and to each other. This experience has transformed not just my way of life, but the very essence of who I am.
For most of my life, I was the person who always worried about everything. I attempted to forecast every potential outcome, allowing my mind to spiral into a labyrinth of anxiety. This habit rooted itself deeply in me, impacting my ability to live fully in the present moment. My past became a constant shadow, with emotions that I struggled to process and a series of toxic relationships that drained my energy. Each negative interaction reinforced my fears and insecurities, trapping me in a cycle of worry and distress.
And then I left for Tanzania. This gave me a break from all of the previous toxicity. I suppose you could call it a big reset for me. I had to survive in a country I did not know, speaking a language I did not understand, with my future hanging in the balance like a fragile thread.
Here are some of the stages I went through for you to understand all this better:
The first step to living in the moment was acceptance. I acknowledged my situation and adapted to daily challenges. This journey helped me explore my mind's flexibility and expand my thoughts. By accepting my new reality, I found strength to embrace change and build resilience. Acceptance became a key force for transformation, allowing me to see life differently. It wasn’t just about accepting what was, but recognizing the potential within it. I learned to face obstacles with curiosity, promoting a mindset open to growth and understanding. This approach taught me the value of being present and engaged, helping me thrive in a changing world. As I practiced this, I saw that every challenge was a chance to grow. Being present let me appreciate life's beauty, even in small moments. This dedication to acceptance and flexibility formed the base of my rebuilt life—one filled with authenticity, intention, and joy.
Stop multitasking and focus on one task at a time. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to think that doing several things at once boosts productivity. However, I found that by setting clear goals and focusing on one challenge, I achieved much more. At first, it was hard to resist switching tasks, but focusing on one job helped me think deeper and produce better work. Each task became a chance for thorough exploration, leading to realistic achievements. This focused method improved my efficiency and gave me a sense of accomplishment. I became more aware of my strengths and weaknesses, which helped me grow personally and professionally. Concentrating on one task paved the way to mastery and encouraged me to apply this approach in many areas of my life and work.
The third stage leads us to ENGAGEMENT. Embracing new experiences demands presence, as it compels us to immerse ourselves in the current moment. When we venture beyond our comfort zones, we disrupt the autopilot mode of existence, allowing us to actively participate in life. This engagement fosters a profound connection with our actions, encouraging mindfulness and awareness.
In this state of presence, every action becomes more meaningful. Whether it’s trying a new activity, exploring unfamiliar places, or embracing new interests, the act of engaging invites a deeper appreciation of our surroundings and experiences. It's in these moments that we truly live, where the past and future fade away, and all that remains is the rich tapestry of the present.
By actively choosing to engage, we discover the vibrancy of life, turning mundane routines into opportunities for growth and learning. Each experience becomes a stepping stone towards greater awareness, reminding us that the essence of living lies not in mere existence but in the richness of each present moment.
The fourth lesson I learned in Tanzania was the importance of simply BEING. Many mornings, I would wake up, make coffee, and step outside to connect with nature. I listened to the soft sounds around me, like leaves rustling and birds singing. In those moments, I was fully present, my mind calm and clear. I was essentially meditating without realising it, watching my thoughts like clouds in the sky—there but not controlling me. This practice gave me a deep sense of freedom, especially when I walked barefoot on the cool earth. This connection with nature heightened my self-awareness, letting me enjoy each moment without pressure. I discovered that life's simplicity is a strong form of mindfulness that feeds the soul and helps us understand ourselves better. In that stillness, I found clarity and peace, as if the land was sharing secrets of calmness.
Letting go of self-doubt is key to being present and flowing in our activities. Overthinking hinders performance and creates unnecessary mental blocks. Constantly second-guessing ourselves can lead to self-judgment, worsening our fears and doubts. Rather than analysing every choice, give yourself the freedom to simply be. Embrace the moment without overthinking. Understand that perfection is a lie; life's beauty comes from its unpredictability. By focusing on experience instead of self-critique, you can feel more relaxed and confident. Practice self-compassion. Recognise that mistakes help us grow. When you release the need to be 'right' or 'perfect', you connect better with yourself and others. True freedom lies in accepting who you are and what you do, free from self-judgment.
The sixth was writing. Without knowing it, I was journaling, as I kept a diary of my daily life back then. Each entry became a reflection of my day, a space where I could unravel my thoughts and experiences. In this process, I discovered a mechanism for release; with every word penned, the burdens of overthinking gradually lifted.
Unconsciously, I was letting go. The act of writing transformed into a soothing exercise, allowing me to chronicle not just events but the emotions tied to them. Each reflection became a form of catharsis, an opportunity to pause and consider the nuances of my experiences. I realised that by documenting my thoughts, I was not merely recounting the day but actively engaging in a dialogue with myself.
This practice helped to clear the mental clutter, enabling me to observe my life from a distance. Through writing, I found clarity and serenity, fostering a deeper understanding of my inner landscape. The diary became a cherished companion on my journey, guiding me toward mindfulness and self-acceptance. In those pages, I learned the power of letting go, embracing the ebb and flow of life without judgement or fear.
The last lesson is essential for a fulfilling life: minimise distractions and focus on yourself. It’s okay to put yourself first and stop doing things just for others if they don't align with your wishes. Every day gives you a chance to practice self-care. Activities like yoga, breath work, or mindful movement can greatly improve your mental and physical health. These practices help you reconnect with yourself, bringing peace and clarity that daily distractions often hide. Taking time for yourself isn't selfish; it's necessary. By enjoying moments that make you happy and calm, you enrich your life and positively influence those around you. A happy you is a wonderful gift to the world.
Through my journey, I've come to realise that the present moment is where life unfolds and that worrying about tomorrow only robs me of today’s beauty. I now focus on creating a life filled with positivity, purpose, and gratitude, allowing myself the freedom to truly enjoy the here and now.
Multitasking often creeps back into my routine, and there are days when carving out time for myself feels like a challenge. However, I've recognised the importance of letting go of future worries. Embracing the present allows me to cherish the simple joys around me. I find pleasure in the sensation of the air on my skin, the warmth of the sun, and the softness of the grass beneath my feet. Sipping a slow cup of matcha tea becomes a ritual, one where I can fully engage with each flavour. The sounds of birds chirping outside ground me, reminding me of the beauty in stillness. In these moments, I reconnect with my surroundings and nurture my well-being, finding peace in the here and now.
In summary: Living in the now involves embracing the present moment with full awareness and appreciation. It invites us to let go of past regrets and future anxieties, grounding ourselves in the here and now. By cultivating mindfulness, we enhance our ability to experience life vividly, fostering deeper connections with ourselves and those around us. This practice encourages us to savour the little things—whether it’s the warmth of the sun, the laughter of friends, or the tranquillity of a quiet moment. Living in the now isn’t just a philosophy; it's a powerful tool for transformation, promoting wellbeing, creativity, and a sense of fulfilment in our daily lives. Embrace the present, and unlock the beauty that exists in every moment.
Focus on the present. Pay attention to your breath and the gentle movement of your chest. Each inhale brings in energy, while each exhale releases tension. Notice the world around you—the rustling leaves, distant voices, warmth of the sun, or cool breeze on your skin.
In this moment, truly see your surroundings. Observe the light, colors, and scents. Feel the ground under your feet and let the environment surround you.
Simply STOP. Let your thoughts drift away like clouds. This pause creates clarity. When you stop, life’s chaos quiets, allowing space for inspiration. In this stillness, new thoughts, ideas, or feelings may emerge from beneath the noise. This moment is yours. Embrace it fully and let the present change how you see things.