“Western civilization places so much emphasis on the idea of hope that we sacrifice the present moment. Hope cannot help us discover joy, peace, or enlightenment in the present moment.” — Thích Nhất Hạnh

Man, has there been a topic recently on this podcast where the idea of “being present” hasn’t come up?

We talked about it during our episode about the importance of recognizing and embracing the small things in life. We talked about it last week during our episode on happiness, what it really is and how to find it during times of hopelessness. It also featured prominently in our conversations about fear, acknowledging our seasons of life, weathering the storms in life through stillness, and countless others. 

There is no doubt that being present matters. 

Yet so many struggle with this. To be honest, that includes me.

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Like “just be happy,” “just be present” feels like a deceptively simple concept that so many find to be lingering just out of reach. Like when you tell someone you’re depressed and they’re like, “Oh, well, you can just choose positivity.” Thanks, Gina. That's not a toxic way of thinking at all.

So, that’s what we’re tackling today … what it means to truly be present, how to integrate such a mindset into your life in a way that’s practical, accessible, and sustainable, and so much more.

⚡ Go Deeper: What does it really mean to possess a healthy growth mindset?

During our conversation, we share their personal struggles with being present, including the culture of busyness, technology distractions, stress and worry, and a lack of mindfulness practice. We also discuss the impact of trauma on being present.

We share their strategies for staying grounded in the present, such as going for walks, practicing morning devotions and meditation, and setting boundaries with technology and other people. This part of our talk explores the unavoidable challenges of being present in a fast-paced, technology-driven world.

Finally, we emphasize the importance of being present and offer practical tips and techniques for cultivating mindfulness in daily life. The benefits of being present include deeper connections with others, better focus, personal growth, and a greater appreciation for life's small moments.

Topics We Cover

Being present, mindfulness, living in the moment, culture of busyness, technology distractions, stress and worry, trauma, grounding, setting boundaries, being present, mindfulness, challenges, distractions, pressure, expectations, connections, focus, personal growth, and appreciation.

Takeaways + Highlights

• Being present means living in the moment and engaging fully with the now, both physically and mentally.
• Mindfulness is a broader practice that includes being present and involves a conscious awareness and acceptance of your inner state and thought process.
• The culture of busyness, technology distractions, stress and worry, and a lack of mindfulness practice can all hinder our ability to be present.
• Setting boundaries with technology and other people can help us stay grounded in the present.
• Being present can lead to a greater sense of stability and mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Being present is a hot topic because staying in the moment is tough for most people in our fast-paced, technology-driven world.
• Our minds are natural storytellers and problem solvers, constantly thinking about the past, future, or creating scenarios that may never happen.
• Modern lifestyle and technology make it easy to get distracted and lose focus on the present moment.
• Being present requires facing our feelings and thoughts head-on without distractions, which can be uncomfortable but leads to personal growth.
• Practicing mindfulness and being present can improve relationships, enhance focus, and bring more joy and appreciation to life's small moments.

Questions We Discuss

• When we say “being present,” what specifically are we talking about here? How are we defining it? And what's the difference between being present and mindfulness?
• Do we struggle with being present in the moment currently? If so, how? And how does not being present negatively affect or impact us?
• Do we engage in any practices of mindfulness or present moment grounding? If so, what are they? And how do they positively impact us?
• The conversation around being present is a popular one for a reason – so many people struggle with it. Why do you think that is?
• We've touched upon the importance of being in the present moment in previous episodes to your Beyond Your Default journey, but what do we see as the key benefits to prioritizing a mindful, present moment mindset, no matter how busy you are?
• What are ways in which folks can easily start to embrace a present moment mindset in their daily lives? Whether they are daily or weekly practices, or "break glass in case of emergency" options we love?
• What becomes possible in life and in our personal Beyond Your Default journeys when you prioritize a present moment mindset?

Quotes About Being Present

“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” ― Amit Ray

“Do not ruin today with mourning tomorrow.” ― Catherynne M. Valente

“If it’s over, then don’t let the past screw up the rest of your life.” ― Nicholas Sparks

“The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment. You create a good future by creating a good present.” — Eckhart Tolle

“Life gives you plenty of time to do whatever you want to do if you stay in the present moment.”
— Deepak Chopra

“There is surely nothing other than the single purpose of the present moment. A man’s whole life is a succession of moment after moment. If one fully understands the present moment, there will be nothing else to do, and nothing else to pursue. Live being true to the single purpose of the moment.”
— Yamamoto Tsunetomo

“Your entire life only happens in this moment. The present moment is life itself. Yet, people live as if the opposite were true and treat the present moment as a stepping stone to the next moment – a means to an end.” — Eckhard Tolle

“The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.” — Thích Nhất Hạnh