Dear readers, in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it is easy to forget the simple yet profound joy of being present. What does it really mean to savour the present?
As for me, it is about taking time to fully immerse myself in the here and now, letting each moment shower over me, and connecting deeply with my inner self and my surroundings.
It is a reminder that this very moment is a gift, one that I all too often overlook amid errands, work, and various distractions in the past.
So, why is the present important? To me, the present is the only moment in which we truly exist. The past is a memory, and the future is just a hope or fear.
When I take the time to savour the present, I cultivate an attitude of gratitude and a disposition of appreciation. Each breath, each sound, and each interaction become an opportunity to connect with the world just as it is.
In a way, it is like tuning into life’s symphony; each note matters, every pause is essential, and I am part of the orchestra.
The present is the only time we truly possess. Sure, we might dream about the future or reminisce about the past, but those moments are gone or yet to come.
In our fast-paced lives, we often neglect the present, presuming it will always be there waiting for us. But in doing so, we might miss the subtle beauties and opportunities that life offers every day. Socrates wisely said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” And I say that the unappreciated present is ripe for the taking.
As someone who seeks to deepen my relationship with God, I have realised that God’s definition of the present is steeped in intentionality and love.
Scripture tells us ‘to not worry about tomorrow because today has enough troubles of its own’ (Matthew 6:34). There’s wisdom in that! God wants us to focus on the ‘now’ to experience His creation fully and to understand that His presence is a constant companion in our lives.
It is in this present moment where love, joy, and peace reside.
By cherishing the present, I also foster a deeper relationship with God; it becomes easier for me to see His hand in the little things, reminding me that He’s with me, guiding me. After all, God has named Himself as “I Am Who Am” (Exodus 3:15). He is not past nor future; He is present, always present.
Mindful sensory experiences take this idea a step further. They involve engaging all our senses to fully experience what’s happening around us.
It means intentionally tuning into what I see, hear, smell, touch, and taste.
There were moments when I am with my morning coffee, I will focus on how the warm sun kisses my skin, how the steam from my cup dances into the air, how the birds chirp around me. This sensory engagement sharpens my awareness and draws me into thanksgiving — not just for that moment, but for the life I have.
Mindfulness, be in the present particularly through sensory experiences, has become important not only in my spiritual life but also in my overall well-being.
In moments where stress and anxiety can easily creep in, pausing to savour the moment can have profound health benefits.
Studies show that practicing mindfulness can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve sleep quality.
As someone who has faced challenges along the way, I can attest to the power of simply being present. Some days, it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders; yet, when I take a moment to breathe deeply and appreciate the world around me, that weight becomes just a little lighter.
This philosophy, this awareness of savouring the present is especially important within the context of relationships as well. It encourages open communication and genuine connections.
When I practice mindfulness around my friends and family, I start appreciating their quirks and uniqueness more fully. It changes the way I listen and respond, making every conversation a shared experience rather than a mere exchange of words. I find that I can express my love for them more freely, and together, we weave beautiful memories.
For instance, as an entrepreneur, I often find myself juggling countless tasks, spinning plates and always strategising about the next big move.
But I have come to realise that taking a moment to breathe deeply during a busy day can serve as a reset button. It is those mindful moments that allow me to connect with my surroundings.
When I step outside and feel the texture of the bark under my fingers or listen to the rustle of leaves, I return to my work with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.
As founder and business owner, embracing the art of savouring the present is invaluable. When I integrate mindfulness into my leadership style, my ability to listen effectively and respond more thoughtfully improves.
Engaging with team members while fully attuned to the moment helps build trust and fosters stronger relationships. The power of savouring the present catalyses gratitude, which is a vital element of both entrepreneurial success and life fulfilment.
Socially, there is also a radical healing aspect to savouring the present. Focusing on sensory experiences can help bridge divides.
For instance, taking the time to listen to someone’s story can be a powerful act of love, creating an open space for connection. In our communities, it fosters an atmosphere of empathy and understanding — something the world desperately needs right now. By savouring the moments spent with others, we break down barriers and enrich our lives and theirs.
Now, as I consider my journey, I find myself reflecting on the moments when I’ve stopped to savour life.
There was a time when I rushed through meals, barely tasting the food before me.
But learning to savour each bite turned feeding the body into an act of gratitude and appreciation. Each meal became more than just sustenance; it became an experience to cherish. The bursting flavours, the laughter shared around the table, and the love represented in the dishes prepared — oh, how much richer my life feels when I embrace those moments.
Savouring the present is an art form, really. It’s about finding joy in the moment, fully immersing ourselves in what’s happening around us, and cherishing our sensory experiences.
Imagine sipping a cup of tea. Instead of mechanically gulping it down while flipping through emails, take a moment to feel the warmth of the cup in your hands, inhale the aroma, and let the flavour dance on your tongue. This simple act can transform a mundane routine into a joyous ritual.
Dear readers, savouring the present through mindful sensory experiences is not just a practice; it is a way of living that transforms how we engage with ourselves, God, our loved ones, family and the community around us. It invites us to immerse ourselves fully in each moment, cultivating awareness, appreciation, and compassion.
As we navigate this beautiful, messy, and extraordinary life, let’s make a conscious effort to tune in, engage our senses, and savour every moment. After all, life is a collection of now-moments that are not meant to be rushed but cherished deeply. I encourage you all to take a step back, breathe, and embrace the beauty of the present. It is worth it!
I am looking ahead to next week. I am excited to dive with you into the topic of sensory adaptations. Navigating the challenges that come with our unique sensory experiences can be daunting, yet it opens the door to fostering resilience.
By learning how to adapt and thrive in various environments, we can transform potential difficulties into opportunities for growth. Understanding the intricacies of our sensory experiences can empower us to better manage life’s ups and downs.
This exploration promises to be enlightening, as we equip ourselves with strategies to embrace our sensory world while building strength along the way. I cannot wait to dive deeper with insights I or we will uncover and how we can apply them in our lives…. But, as we have learned, more than looking forward to the future, we simply love our now!
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.”
By Eckhart Tolle
