I was reminded today about the benefits of being present – I needed to do some accounting and having perfected procrastination towards my accounts found myself doing any-thing but. After a while, I noticed my behavior and asked myself why I didn’t just embrace the paperwork because I will end up enjoying it as I always do, once I get into it.

I decided to get myself present and within minutes, was happily attending to my paperwork.

So, what happens when we aren’t present?

In our formative years (birth to 7 years old) we are programmed or conditioned by all those around us, including parents, teachers, siblings etc and this learned behaviour becomes the foundation of who we are and who we default to when we zone out. As we grow into adulthood, we have our own experiences and modify our beliefs and behaviour, which give us our adult identity (our conscious selves). When we are not present and default to our subconscious behavior it is the equivalent to our younger selves (or those that programmed us) running the show.

Many years ago, before I learned how to get present (read conscious, aware, focused), I often found myself in meetings, losing my concentration and thinking about something else – of course, that was when they urgently needed my input!

My mentor at the time had picked up my scattered energy too and had given me some techniques to apply in day-to-day situations. The ones that worked best for me was to be present when in the shower; when eating a meal and whilst driving and I soon realized that by training myself to be present when it didn’t really matter, I was able to practice being present when it did and found I could stay focused for hours in meetings, dealing with clients etc

It was hard at first although I soon relished these moments of clearing my mind and focusing on where I was in the moment.

Being present keeps you in the here and now and allows you to focus on the task at hand as the adult you. You notice your surroundings more and interact much better with the people around you. Your days are richer and more fulfilling and time seems to move slower because you are engaging in the moment.

There are many processes I use to get present depending on what I am doing. The quickest and easiest method (which can be done in a few moments in the bathroom between meetings) is to take a few minutes and become aware of your surroundings. Concentrate on your breath (which helps you centre yourself) – breathe in to the count of four, hold for the count of 4 and breathe out to the count of 8. Repeat x 3.

Then, close your eyes for a moment and repeat your name and age (I am * and I am * years old) Now, wash your hands and let the water run over your hands for a few seconds and feel your vitality and presence grow.

Although simple (and all the great self mastery hacks are) this process is sure to keep you focused, conscious, aware and very present.

As a qualified intuitive coach, Reiki Master and light worker who can read energy, Peta Panos is a Transformational Expert who helps conscious executives and entrepreneurs take stock of their lives and make their desired changes that have, so far, eluded them.

Peta has her own successful 21-year corporate background and 6 years experience as an entrepreneur. Born and raised in South Africa, Peta now lives in Norway and owns Quest Leadership and Spiritual Quest Journeys

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