Living in the present: how to improve present moment awareness
By Peter Dorton, MD, family physician at Novant Health Parker Internal Medicine

Want to reduce your stress? To learn more about our upcoming stress-reduction workshop, please call: 704-384-1605

How much of our lives are we actually “awake” and “present” for? Most people sleep between six to eight hours a night, and we know that this rest is important for our physical and emotional health. But what about the time during the day when we are not in bed but are moving through the daily activities of our lives – are we fully awake and present for those moments? If you are like me, probably not!

For example, have you ever driven somewhere with your mind completely daydreaming or so preoccupied in deep thought that you didn’t remember how you got to your destination? It is not uncommon and is even natural for our minds to wander from the present moment throughout the day. But if this happens too often, there may be undesirable consequences. If we are not fully engaged in the present moment, our concentration, work performance, interpersonal relationships and appreciation for our surroundings are likely to be negatively affected.

As it turns out, there are ways to improve our present moment awareness or “mindfulness.” Through the practice of meditation, our ability to be mindful is enhanced, and there are many potential benefits. Research has shown that present moment awareness cultivated by meditation can improve clarity of thought, concentration, performance, compassion, sleep, immunity and relationships with others while decreasing stress, anxiety and depression. The experience of day-to-day living may become enriched, more productive and more rewarding if we can live more fully in the present moment.

A simple exercise to improve present moment awareness
Try taking a few moments during your day to just sit in a quiet place without your cell phone. Bring your attention to something such as your breath or a particular prayer and notice the sensations of the body as your muscles begin to relax after each exhalation. If your mind wanders to other thoughts, which is only natural, just notice where it has gone and gently bring your attention back to your breath. You may do this as long as you like.

This type of practice can promote a centered calmness that will enable you to be more focused and respond to the challenges of your day in an optimal fashion.

Dr. Dorton is a family physician with Novant Health Parker Internal Medicine. He will be hosting a stress-reduction workshop every Tuesday in May from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For additional information about the workshop, call 704-384-1605 or visit nhparkerinternalmedicine.org.