I wrote this article 10 years ago! Even though things are very different these days as we navigate the global pandemic, the sentiments expressed here are time tested and still ring true, especially during the holi-days.
When was the last time you stopped and enjoyed the present moment? Hopefully, it was at some point today. With the busy and stressful lifestyles we lead (especially during holiday season), it is more important than ever to cherish happy moments, just as they happen. In a world where multitasking and distraction has become the norm, it’s time to take a step back and realize how imperative it is to be mindful and present in what you are doing. For example, when you are having a meal, are you savouring all the flavours and taking delight in what will eventually become a part of you? When you are having a conversation on the phone/online/text, are you really listening and fully processing what the other person is conveying to you and feeling their emotion? Are you thinking and projecting happy thoughts? Remember that everything you take in, whether it is food, images, or emotions, eventually all become a part of you. Your body and mind take in everything you eat, see, and feel. So go ahead, delight your senses and take pleasure in the simple joys that make your heart glow everyday.
An easy way to do this is to make a list of little things that bring you happiness and aim to do at least one of those things a day. It could be watching the sunset, doing a yoga class, going for a run, reading a book, watching a sports game, making a phone call to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a long time, taking a walk through the park for some fresh air, watching a movie or listening to your favourite song. Once you begin to create and integrate these little pleasure moments into your life, you’ll notice that you feel more happy and alive, and truly enjoying the moment.
After you’ve started to incorporate blissful, happy moments into your own daily life, think about how you can add sparkle to another person’s moment. It’s as easy as sharing a smile, giving a sincere compliment, holding the door, asking someone you don’t normally talk to how their day is going, or sending flowers to a friend for no reason. These positive intentions can brighten someone’s day and take less than a few minutes. In the next couple of days, challenge yourself to take action and bring moments of pleasure into your life and to touch another’s. Connecting to the moment will let your inner radiance shine and emanate that the present truly is a gift, regardless of what is happening externally. Just taking a few deep breaths and closing your eyes can instantly help you enjoy the moment and have a profoundly calming effect, anytime of the day. Your body and mind are gently brought to a state of balance when you have soaked in sunny, happy moments everyday.
Dr. Anita Rajan DC