We hear all of the time to “be present” and “be here now”, but what does that actually mean? So often our minds wander to either the past or the future, and It can feel challenging to focus on what is happening in our present awareness. The best way to get out of our heads and experience the present moment is to tune into our five senses. 

Take a few deep breaths, and then ask yourself these questions: 

1. What am I seeing? What colors, shapes, shadows, movements? 

2. What am I hearing? Birds chirping, distant traffic, keyboard clacking? 

3. What am I smelling? A new fall candle, coffee brewing, the fresh laundry scent of your shirt?

4. What am I tasting? Leftovers from breakfast, tea, toothpaste? 

5. What am I feeling? Your feet planted on the floor, the breeze outside, the sun on your face? 

Now, think of one thing you are grateful for and one thing you’d like to let go of. 

This simple and short meditation helps us to come to our senses and feel present. The more we do this, the more we will start living in our senses rather than in our busy minds. 

Illustration: Real Fun, Wow