Often you hear yoga instructors say, “If your mind starts to wander, return your focus back to your breath.”
When our mind wanders, we are missing out on the present moment.
We do not know what the future holds, nor can we change the past. But we can always be here in the present. This is where we have control of our lives.
Our breath moves prana, life force, in and out of our body. When we are breathing, we are quite literally experiencing that we are alive. Right here. Right now.
Yoga Sutra 2.49 compares pranayama to water. When water is stored, it becomes stale. When water is moving, it tastes fresh. With every exhale we let go of what no longer serves us. With every inhale we breathe in new energy. As we focus on our breath, we are focusing on gaining energy from this current moment.
Each of the five niyamas, which are values to help you find alignment spiritually, are fostered through focusing on the present:
Saucha – cleanliness
The more we can clear our minds and our bodies, the more prepared we are to be present.
Santosha – contentment
The more we can find reasons to be grateful, the more satisfied we can feel.
Tapas – self-discipline
The more we can focus on the task at hand, the less likely we are to succumb to distractions.
Svadhyaya – self-study
The more we are conscious of our intentions, the easier it is to make choices that align with who we are.
Ishvara Pranidhana – self-surrender
The more we can trust the universe, the easier it is to surrender to the current moment.
As Bill Keane so eloquently said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, which is why we call it the present.”
There are many things I don’t understand about life.
But I do know if I don’t practice being present – I’m going to miss it.