Simple words, sounds obvious? But surprisingly difficult in reality…for me anyway 😂

We can spend a big chunk of our time being somewhere else in our minds other than where we physically are. Thinking, planning, to do lists, worrying, ruminating about the past, future, what ifs and maybes….

These days screens also demand our attention and pull us into other mental places and thought patterns and out of fully being in the present. 

We can be with loved ones or stand in beautiful places while mentally be somewhere else entirely.

Presence is a skill. And like any skill, it requires practice. And is not easy at first – but gets easier with practice…

‘Being where your feet are’ for me is a good way to sum up this skill – it means consciously reminding yourself to bring  attention to this very moment — what you are doing, who you are with, the meal you’re eating, the walk you’re on… you get the picture. It means noticing instead of rushing. Experiencing instead of evaluating.

It’s tricky as the modern world is increasingly designed to pull our attention away it seems. Notifications, screens, noise, tasks to do, stress and endless information compete for our focus every minute of the day. But life is happening now — not in the replay of yesterday or the anticipation of tomorrow.

Of course we need time to think – but we also need time where we are not thinking (so much). Where we are just at ease, present, not doing anything really. No pressure. No grand goals. No tasks to complete.

A simple walk in the outdoors is this time for me. Unplugged. No screens. No headphones. No noise. No stress. Just one foot in front of the other is the goal. And just noticing and being more present. 

Next time you catch your mind wandering, pause for a second. Look around. Take in where you actually are. Your 90 year old self would love to be back here. 

Feel your feet on the floor.

Be where your feet are.