The Joy of Just Being
Embrace the freedom to exist fully in the present moment.
Let’s be real. In today’s fast-paced world, there’s so much focus on the hustle and bustle, social media pressures, global inflation, post-pandemic trauma, and geopolitical tensions. It’s easy to forget about the importance of embracing the quieter aspects of life.
But those moments of stillness and tranquility are where we truly come alive. They allow us to be fully present, to reflect on what truly matters, and to reconnect with our authentic selves.
Amidst all the distractions, these moments of just being are like a breath of fresh air, reminding us of the beauty and significance of the simple things in life. In this blog post, we offer some advice and tips along with some resources on how to focus more on the present moment.
What does it mean to just “be”?
There’s more to the art of “just being” than doing nothing.
Embracing the art of just being acknowledges the immense power of being fully present in the here and now. It's about setting aside worries about tomorrow or the next item on our to-do list, and instead, allowing ourselves to simply exist as our most authentic selves.
When we find ourselves unable to focus on the present moment, we may become caught up in the whirlwind of thoughts and worries about the future or regrets about the past. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and discontentment. By constantly dwelling on what's to come or what has already happened, we miss out on the beauty and opportunities that exist in the here and now.
Our mental well-being may suffer as we become disconnected from our authentic selves and the present experiences that bring us joy and fulfillment. It's important to recognize the impact of this lack of presence and actively work towards cultivating mindfulness and embracing the power of just being.
When we practice the art of just being, we create space to welcome joy, pleasure, and happiness into our lives. By embracing these essential components, we can actively work towards nurturing our mental well-being and cultivating a sense of fulfillment in our daily lives.
So, let's take a moment to pause, breathe, and fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of just being.
But why is it so hard?!
You're right, it can be quite challenging to "just be" in today's fast-paced world. We are constantly bombarded with distractions and demands that pull us in different directions. The pressures of work, social media, and the need to constantly be productive can make it difficult to slow down and fully immerse ourselves in the present moment. Our minds are wired to constantly seek stimulation and anticipate what's next, which can make it hard to quiet the noise and focus on the here and now.
However, it's important to remember that finding the ability to "just be" is a journey worth embarking on. It offers us a chance to step away from the chaos and reconnect with ourselves on a deeper level. By embracing the present moment, we can experience a sense of calm, clarity, and inner peace. It allows us to fully appreciate the beauty of life's simple pleasures and find joy in the little things. While it may take practice and conscious effort to cultivate this skill, the rewards are immeasurable.
“Whatever comes, let it come, what stays, let it stay, what goes, let it go.”
Five easy ways to embody more joy
Finding joy doesn’t have to be difficult!
Recognize you have a choice: It is important to remember that you have the choice and permission to feel joy, and do things that bring you joy.
Nurture your inner joy: As humans we are inherently born with a sense of joy, but it sometimes gets lost with the busyness of life. Reflect on your innate spirit of joy in case it is forgotten and do one thing that brings you joy everyday.
Remember to breathe: Practice deep belly breathing from your physical center to provide you with a sense of calmness, which will tap into your inner joy.
Engage in simple pleasures: Try and incorporate activities that you know will bring you joy, which could be seeing a friend, spending time in nature, indulging in your favourite foods or just allowing yourself a moment to just be.
Slow down: Allow yourself space to be slow and recognize what you need in the moment.
“Wherever you are, be there totally.”
Focusing more on the present
More connection, less disconnection.
FOCUS ON BREATHING
Practice breathing exercises on a regular, this can be helpful as it makes us focus in on our breathing, not on whatever may be distracting us
Try it out:
Inhale. Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 seconds
Pause. Hold the air in your lungs for 4 seconds.
Exhale. Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds.
Repeat. Practice for at least 2 minutes, but preferably 5 to 10 minutes.
INCORPORATE MEDITATION
Through meditation we are able to build a habit of being purposeful with our thoughts and intentional with how we use our time.
Try it out:
LIMIT TIME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
As we know, social media platforms are good for connecting, but can also be very distracting and unhelpful at times. Recognizing this balance is important.
Try it out:
Forest - plant and grow trees with this mobile app while your focus on work, study, or quality time with friends. Donate virtual coins towards planting real trees on Earth!
STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR BODY
Staying connected with our bodies is important because it helps us understand our physical and emotional needs better. It allows us to listen to our body's signals, take care of ourselves, and live a healthier and more balanced life.
Try it out:
KEEP A GRATITUDE JOURNAL
A gratitude journal is helpful because it allows us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and cultivate a mindset of gratitude. By regularly writing down things we are grateful for, we train our minds to notice and appreciate the good things, which can improve our overall well-being and perspective on life.
Try it out:
Prompt #1: Identify at least 1 positive thing that happened today.
Prompt #2: Think about the beauty of ordinary moments you appreciate in life. Describe how they keep you grounded.
Prompt #3: Take a look outside. What’s something you are grateful for in nature?
Recommended books to help you discover the power of just “being”
The joy of “just being" reminds us of the beauty and fulfillment that can be found in simply embracing the present moment. It's a gentle reminder to slow down, let go of distractions, and truly appreciate the here and now.
By cultivating mindfulness and practicing self-compassion, we can tap into a profound sense of joy that arises from within. So, let's take a moment to pause, breathe, and savor the gift of just being. Embrace the joy that lies in the present and let it guide you towards a more fulfilling and contented life.
Are you looking for more support in finding stillness and peace?
Navigating towards happiness and tranquility.
A therapist can support you in embracing more joy and stillness by providing guidance, tools, and techniques tailored to your specific needs. They can help you explore any underlying issues that may be hindering your ability to experience joy and stillness, and offer strategies to overcome them. Through therapy, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself, develop coping skills, and cultivate a more joyful and peaceful mindset.
We offer a community of care.
Whether you're facing a current challenge, a past pain, or are simply feeling stuck in this phase of your life, we can help you to live the life you want with intention, mindfulness and balance.
We offer free 15 minute consultations.
Connect with us and let’s talk about how we can help you.
SOURCES:
Greater Good Science Center at University of California, Berkeley Body Scan Meditation
Forest A mobile app that helps you go phone-free by inspiring you to plant trees
Great Meditation Inner Peace and Happiness Guided Meditation
