…enhance your life by reducing stress and improving decision making.

Your life is the result of actions taken in a series of present moments. What you do in the current moment is what matters. The past is gone and cannot be changed. As I covered in Being Wrong, you should spend enough time thinking about the past to learn from errors, but dwelling there, like obsessing over the future, is a waste of present moments. Additionally, when you perseverate over the past or future you are likely to beat yourself up or succumb to fear. Avoid this mental self-abuse by cultivating the ability to bring yourself back to the present moment where your choices and actions have meaning.

The ability to stay in the present can be developed through mindfulness practice. Meditation can greatly enhance your ability to stay in the present moment. This simple lesson can improve your focus:

Things to Teach:

• Mindful breathing

How to Teach:

• Sit quietly with your child and go through the following steps with them:
  • Close your eyes
  • Relax
  • Focus your attention on your breathing—feel it go in and out. Don’t try to change it, just feel it.
  • Do this for a few minutes

• You will find that your mind often wanders to the past, future, or some present distraction. It’s okay. Notice it in a non-judgmental way then bring your attention back to your breathing. It may help you to count your breaths. When you find that you cannot remember what number you are on you’ll know your mind wandered—start over. With practice you will improve your ability to stay focused in the present. Start out doing this for five minutes and increase the time as you improve.

Developing self-awareness and the ability to stay present will enhance your life by reducing stress and improving decision making. Staying in the present moment is even the key to overcoming procrastination and enjoying guilt-free play.