Presence and Appreciation
While reading through the IDG Course, it came to my attention that there are a few qualities I need to focus more on — a couple of those being presence and appreciation. On a daily basis I try to remind myself to bring attention back to the present and to the body or whatever I might be feeling at any given moment, but this doesn’t always “work.” Often it can be a struggle, especially when emotions are intense or heightened and the body is in a state of tension and restlessness. There’s the urge to distract yourself from the experience and do something else. For me, this isn’t always helpful and the presence of those feelings and sensations frequently becomes more noticeable and influencing when I try to distract myself from them.
Appreciation for life, the universe and everything within it is also something I think on each day, but it’s easy to forget exactly how to appreciate things, especially when it’s difficult to feel such appreciation — as it is for me.
How can you remain present, appreciative and aware of the beauty in life; in yourself and others?
Daily gratitude, searching for inspiration and feelings of awe, practicing active listening and empathy, exposing myself to different kinds of art, media, books and other forms of potential inspiration. Journaling and talking about experiences that help me feel closer to the self, universe and nature.
@EventHorizons I really enjoyed reading this post. It’s really admirable that you became aware of the qualities you know you need to focus on like being present and appreciative. I agree that it can sometimes be a struggle to be in the present especially when emotions are intensified and you’re in a situation filled with tension.
Even though you struggle, it’s quite praiseworthy that you are on a journey of self-improvement and awareness. Quite similar to yourself, I tend to try to be present and appreciative of life in general by practicing mindfulness through gratitude journaling and meditation.
I’ve found myself being more exposed to the beauty of the ‘little’ things in life that can be taken for granted. Thank you for taking the time to share this post with us and keep up the amazing work. 💓
@EventHorizons I live a life now in a secluded place, I don't leave my home (other than hospital trips) and with my disabilities my days are slow and to most people would probably seem boring. But I like my life now😁 I'm happy here. And I am so thankful to be here. When I'm panicking or upset, it's really really hard to remember the stuff I been taught, like breathing/grounding exercises, but I've been told it gets easier with practice. One thing I'm good at though is living in the moment ❤ I find joy in the little things, like the sunrise or birds singing. 😁 we have a amazing world here ❤
@Tinywhisper11
Living can be tough, yet the seemingly “little things” like birds singing, the sun setting and rising can have the power to transform any moment into something worthwhile. I’m glad you’re able to be present and feel joy in these things despite the current situation.
@EventHorizons ❤ thankyou ❤ I hope your happy wherever you are ❤
@EventHorizons
Interesting read , mindfulness coupled with gratitude form basis of being aware of self and surroundings with a positive and calm mind to notice the blooming lotus in mud and to experience solitude in loneliness
