The Importance of Being in the Present Moment

Once your alarm rings, does your “to-do” list immediately start running through your mind? Do you find yourself endlessly scrolling on your phone throughout the day? Does your mind always seem to be on the go?

These are all signs that you might need to spend more time truly grounded in the present.

When we lose connection to the present moment, we slowly take circuits “offline” in our bodies. Our sense of embodiment is deeply tied to our ability to sense and feel—moment to moment.

When something upsets you, rather than replaying it in your mind—which is living in the past or trying to predict the future—try tuning into your body. Ask yourself: Where am I feeling this right now? If it’s in the mind, it’s also in the body. As Dr. Darren Starwynn, a Quantum Energy Healer, says: “You must feel to heal.”

Pay attention to the sensations you feel in the present moment. It’s different for everyone. Do you feel a rush of energy in your heart? Do you feel aching, tingling, or other physical sensations? Notice it. Squeeze the muscles around that sensation, then let go—and breathe into it. This sends a signal to your brain that you’re acknowledging the emotion, which helps the body release it, calm the mind, and rebuild internal circuitry all at once.

3 Techniques to Help You Stay Present

These techniques calm the nervous system—which set the foundation for healing. The first two are from Dr. Sue Morter, author of The Energy Codes.

1) How long can you stay in the present moment first thing in the morning?
Try not to immediately think about your to-do list or reach for your phone—those habits can raise your blood pressure and kickstart your day with anxiety.

Instead, try starting your day with a short meditation practice or simply by being grounded in the present moment—for as long as you can. Begin with just a few minutes and gradually increase the time with practice.

2) Train Your Inner Observer
Pick an object in front of you and study it: its color, shape, texture. Then, become aware that you are inside your body looking out at the object.
Feel the difference? This subtle awareness keeps your energy contained rather than scattering it outward. When we send too much energy out into the world all day, we end up depleted, disconnected, and burnt out.

3) Connect with People, Not Just Tasks
When talking to a stranger—really look into their eyes. Be fully present. So often we interact with others without truly engaging. Next time you grab coffee or go through a checkout line, notice the person. Do they look away or engage back? Maybe your presence brightens their day—and maybe they’ll pass that energy along. That ripple effect matters.

There was a long stretch of my life—about 15 years—when I was constantly on the go, sending my energy outward to people, tasks, and everything else. If I didn’t get 30 minutes to relax and watch TV at night, I felt like I might burst.

Looking back, I now see that was my body trying to communicate with me.
I was disembodied—despite being a professional dancer—and completely depleted. Even in my so-called “relaxation,” I was still disconnecting through another activity that pulled me out of my body: the TV.
(And hey—who doesn’t love a good binge-watch, right?)

But if you're using it to unwind from a chronically stressed state, try meditating first. It can ground you and unlock benefits like reduced anxiety, improved emotional health, better sleep, sharper memory, and even increased compassion.

Since applying these three techniques, I no longer feel desperate for downtime.
Yes, I’m still busy—but the state I operate from is completely different. I feel more energized and emotionally steady throughout the day. And that kind of energy is contagious.

In today’s fast-paced world—where most of us are overworked and overstimulated—try experimenting with these practices. They have the power to improve your life, uplift the people around you, and help us all reconnect with our place in the world.

Be Well My Body offers on-demand courses for you to stay grounded in the present moment through Mindfulness & Meditation, Breathwork, and Cold Therapy.