I watched some of Elton John’s Glastonbury set last night.

(on the box unfortunately, rather than in person)

And while the legendary showman belted out his jazzy tissue-grabber I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues (always brings a tear to my eye), I clocked these lyrics:

Live for each second, without hesitation, and never forget I’m your man

As Elton serenaded the rambunctious crowd, I got thinking…

This was sage advice from the flamboyant ivory-tickler.  Elton was on to something.

Especially if “live for each second” means "live for the moment".

As I see it,  the present moment is where the good stuff happens.  It's where we soak up the best that life has to offer.

You could even say getting more present is giving yourself a present.

Schmaltzy yes.  But also happens to be true.

Being present means we connect more deeply with people.  We’re open to new and unexpected opportunities.  And we appreciate the small things that we sometimes overlook. 

Now don’t get me wrong.  There’s a time and place for memories and thinking about the past.  Same for thinking about the future too.

But if re-living old memories is stopping you creating new memories, it could be worth spending a bit more time in the here and now. 

Ditto if living in the future is causing you stress or anxiety.

So with all this being said...

How to go about living more in the present, if this is something you want?

Well, here’s one way:

Try to catch yourself when you’re not present.  Step outside your thinking and notice what’s taking you out of the moment.

And that’s it.

You don’t have to do anything with it.

Just notice.

But I daresay this will help. 

Because if you’re noticing, you're getting present.  And that's what it's all about.

Back tomorrow with more. 

Until then.

 - Tom