Most of the time we are making royal efforts to live positively, follow our goals and express ourselves harmoniously. Sometime though, before we know it we have spiralled down into a place of negativity. Things are going on around us with family, friends, lovers and get distracted from our clear thinking and get caught up in the dramas taking place…but that’s ok. Every time we stumble, we always get this opportunity to refocus and get back on track. So think of the littel stumbles as positives pauses…little spaces to realign onto the path.

Here are some practical ways to do this and get back to the present:

1. Practice watching your breath for a few minutes at a time. This simple exercise practise. several times a day can really help you calm and clear the mind of distractions
2. Be conscious of where you walk with every footstep. When you are walking to and from work or home, narrow your thoughts into your steps and become aware of the weight of your step, the ground beneath, your toes leaving the floor. Keep one eye on where you’re going though
3. Spend one minute concentrating on any thought or object to the exclusion of all else. This is a great one for the desk or travelling home, just shut your eyes and let go of the days hassles.
4. Stand outside in nature and simply watch the world around you without judgement. Let go of your critical self just for a little bit (give it a lunch break) and look at everything with a fresh and forgiving eye. Too much overly critical thought uses up a lot of mental energy leaving you drained.
5. Several times a day ask yourself where you are? “Am I here? ” is a fine way to determine whether you are in the present moment or whether you are dreaming of the future or thinking about the past.

Trying some of these simple exercises can release us from unhelpful and negative thought patterns and allow the energy and power of being in the moment to return.