The intention of staying present.

Staying present means directly experiencing the moment that we're in. Let go of the distractions of what is passing and the anticipation of what is coming. Try to stay within yourself, aware of what is around you, just being a witness.

Being present starts with the breath. Draw a deep breath in and let it out through your nose. Pay attention to your exhale. What happens in that short span of time? Everything falls away. Noticing that nothing happened reminds us that there are moments right here and now, the present. Most of our time is spent thinking about the past or the future and life ends up passing us by.

Be present as the birds sing, take a conscious breath as you spot a robin in the yard hunting for worms. Also be present when the mud squishes, take a conscious breath as you look down at the gooey mess on your shoes. Stay present, witness the moment, take the experience of what is positive to you as it happens and let the rest go. It is what it is.

Come back to your breath. Anytime you are feeling anxious about the past or the future, take a deep breath in and exhale through your nose. Think about the exhale and for that moment let everything else fall away. You are not escaping from your life, rather using this breath to allow stillness in so that your mind can release it's tension and see things in a calm light.