Live with Intention: 4 things to help you be here, now.
How slow living, and learning to be present, will make your life more beautiful.
When was the last time you remember feeling truly present and in the moment?
This morning I was on a walk when I passed an iron fence with roses growing next to it. The brilliant color drew me in, and I paused to get closer for a better view, admiring all of the details of the petals and leaves. I lingered there for about 20 seconds before continuing on.
3+ years ago that wouldn’t have likely happened. I probably would have been preoccupied with what I needed to work on as soon as I got back home, and completely missed those roses.
Pink roses in a garden in Germantown, Nashville, Tennessee
This is just a small example of what intentional living can look like - slowing down and savoring things.
Unfortunately, the following is all too common…
How many times are you with loved ones, but you think of something you have to do/text/check and you pull out your phone? How many times throughout your day are you just going from one thing to the next on your to-do list? Is it difficult or rare for you to sit around a table for hours and just talk and laugh with your people? Can you go for a walk, drive, or workout and not have it be “productive” every time by simultaneously listening to a podcast? How many things do you do simply to enjoy, or to rest and simply be in the moment?
Giving our undivided attention to the moment - being present with what or who is in front of us - is one of the rarest things in the world these days.
A moment in time photographed in the countryside while on a walk.
If you want to learn how to be a little more present, here are some ideas:
Stop the multi-tasking. Be intentional about choosing to do one thing, and nothing else. It’s a lot harder than you’d think! We’ve trained ourselves to constantly be “capitalizing” on our time. There’s a place for that, but it shouldn’t predominately rule your life.
Carve out 5 minutes, a half hour, or a few hours to truly enjoy something you love… get a little lost in it, and when you start to think about something else you “should” work on, redirect your thoughts back to what you’re doing.
Fill your home with beautiful or interesting things. Aspects of home design have become so sterile, or we fall into the temptation of buying a picture from Target to hang on our wall that happens to be trending and owned by thousands of others. Our homes are meant to inspire, calm, and be a place where we can dwell and be present! Having art and decor around your home that is personal to you plays a huge roll in that!
Go on “noticing walks”. This is where you go on a walk, free of headphones, and the purpose is simply to see what you can see. This is an extremely helpful practice when it comes to learning how to be more present. If you have kids, it can be a fun activity, and it also teaches them to be curious!