1. Living in the Present by Terry Zick, MA
Living in the Present Brings Increased Happiness and Contentment
How can we increase our level of happiness? There is a rich ban- As we revisit the past, we may replay un-
quet of strategies and tools to help us get there. As I read in one pleasant memories or traumas (often trig-
book, unhappiness is easy—easy, because we continue to think gering anger, fear, sadness, anxiety) or
and feel the way we always have, which is the easy way. How- we may wish we could have done it better
ever, the ability to feel happier can become the easy way. What (often triggering regret) or we may wonder
would happen if we committed to the tools that change our how great a life we would have had if
thoughts and feelings toward happiness? Simply put—we would
be happier. things had gone better (often triggering a victim stance, or lack of
power and lack of control feelings).
In the last issue, we learned that if we think we will only be hap-
pier in the future when something changes, we have missed an As we look at the future while focusing on possible future prob-
opportunity to be happy NOW. Oh, maybe I will have a moment or lems, we might mentally envision a possible unhappy life that
two of happiness when I get what I wanted finally (“Yeah, isn’t real. We are just creating worst-case scenarios that haven’t
joy!!!”) . . . until I focus on the next thing that I think I want or need happened yet (often triggering fear, worry, anxiety, lack of power
that I think will make me happy. When I continue to focus on what thoughts, lack of control thoughts, and pessimistic thinking).
is missing, I don’t feel that joy anymore.
The present moment, without nonproductive thoughts and feel-
When the mind and thought stop yearning for what I want and ings about the past and future, offers increased peace of mind.
stop complaining about what I don’t have, in my experience, what The present moment offers wisdom, better problem-solving, clar-
happens? Then I experience a more peaceful mind and well- ity, and transformation. When our attention is in the here and
being. That potential for joy exists all the time, whether or not I now, we are less distracted, more focused, and more content.
have what I yearn for. And, to add to the list of benefits—being in the present offers
relaxation, effective problem-solving, and compassion for self
Our genetic makeup affirms that we can be happier (some studies and others. Much has been written on numerous strategies for
living in the present, mindfulness living, and the power of now.
say only 50% of our happiness potential is genetic). This means
The benefits are well documented.
that no matter our past, our genes support a potential for in-
creased happiness. When we realize that we have CHOICE when
Experience life from your heart.
it comes to our thoughts and our activities, then we empower our Studies show that we change our brain and physiology when we
life in happier ways. feel a moment in our heart. The heart has its own wisdom, its
own “brain” or its own intelligence. Research tells us that our
As we apply new strategies and develop a habit of healthier heart has its own complex nervous system.
thoughts, it becomes easier to experience happiness. It becomes
easier because our amazing brain will help us out, and has the We already live, to some degree, from the heart. Think of the
potential to “rewire” itself. The new science of neuroplasticity in- phrases we commonly say that connect us to our heart’s wisdom
forms us that the brain and nervous system have the ability to or compassion such as “bless your heart,” “I did it from the
change as a result of new input. The most widely recognized heart,” “my heartfelt appreciation,” “follow your heart,” or “it
forms of plasticity are improvements in learning, memory, and touched my heart.” Studies show we can reduce stress, anxiety,
recovery from brain damage—to name a few. This wonderful abil- fear, anger, and depression by practicing heart-based strategies.
ity to rewire begins with changing our thoughts and feelings.
Through connecting with the heart, our mind will follow our heart
and transform our experience. In addition, when we engage with
Keep in mind that it is the tools and strategies which hold the our heart, we prompt our heartbeat, blood pressure and respira-
power to transform our life. Empowered commitment to change tion to return to balance. Also, our heart becomes in sync with
our thoughts and behavior will translate into increased content- our brain, resulting in more empowered and healthier benefits.
ment. In the last issue, we reinforced that we can increase our
happiness quotient by the following strategies: We can transform the present moment when we live from the
heart. The heart creates a shift by its ability to heal, forgive, and
1. Develop an attitude of gratitude. renew. The heart gives wise counsel. The heart brings us home
to our truest self. The heart allows the mind to listen to the si-
2. Pay attention to our thoughts and choose more lence. The heart connects us spiritually. Here are a few of the
optimistic or happiness-producing thoughts. countless heart-centering strategies:
3. Seize the moment to be happy rather than wait-
ing for life to change to be happy. 1. Put your hand over your heart and connect with your heartbeat
(seemingly hear it or feel it beating).
Two more perspectives are: 2. Choose a thought of gratitude, and feel the gratitude deeply in
the heart.
Live in the present moment more often.
3. Look for things to be in awe and wonder over (allow yourself to
Why will being in the present moment increase my happiness?
say “ahhhhhhhh,” “mmmmmmmmm,” and “wow!”).
Consider what often happens when we live in the past or in the
future.
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