Blog: The art of now
How being present can change everything
Written by: Lili Vogrinec
Have you ever thought about how wonderful it is to be here and now? When you feel the dance of life, in which every step and movement becomes completely natural and effortless, and every active moment is a lively heartbeat, full of passion and wholly yours? To be present means to fully live in this moment without burdening yourself with what has been or what will be. You allow yourself, that is, you choose to enjoy small things, such as the smell of rain in the air and the scent of freshly cut grass. When you’re present in the moment, you’re in touch with your inner wisdom and you truly feel what makes you happy.
Are you ready to find out, together with me, how to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary ones? Welcome to the art of now!
COFFEE OR MEDITATION? WHY NOT BOTH!
Think of the time when you drink your coffee. Most of us focus on how quickly we can drink our first morning coffee, so that we can return to our everyday worries. I’ve discovered something that changed my life: coffee has become my personal meditation. When I sit at my desk in the morning, a cup of this hot beverage is a mandatory part of my morning routine to kick-start my day. Instead of rushing, I take a deep breath and truly enjoy its smell. I’m mindful of every sip. I’m aware of my blessings and the freedom to plan my schedule on a particular day. The intentions and tasks written down in this magical state find their foundations anchored deep within me.
Next time you enjoy your morning coffee, be fully present. Let each sip become a mini meditation, grounding you in the moment and gently guiding you toward a joyful present and a fulfilling future. It’s a wonderful way to begin your day, embracing the art of now!
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST THERAPY: ESPECIALLY IF SOMETHING’S REALLY FUNNY
Laughter … How marvellous it is! When was the last time you laughed so hard that your jaw hurt? Not long ago, I found myself in the company of friends who have the natural ability to make me laugh until I cry. When laughing, I noticed that my body relaxed completely, all my worries went away and everything was surprisingly light.
When something genuinely makes you laugh, do so without reservations. Don’t be afraid to be the one who laughs the loudest. Laughter is an excellent way to connect with the present moment and, who knows, perhaps you’ll even notice that your abs have gotten stronger.
WALKING: FROM ROUTINE TO CONSCIOUS ADVENTURE
Next time you go for a walk, try walking without a purpose. Just walk aimlessly, but be present. When I walked recently in the beautiful forest near my home, I decided to walk without any plans. I took my time watching every flower, every drop of dew that glistened on the leaves. It was as if I entered a world where every detail was mystical and extraordinary.
When you stop to observe the sun rays dancing on the leaves, you’ll discover that even the most ordinary walk can become an exciting adventure. Don’t miss out on nature’s invitation; it’s inviting you into its embrace every day.
LET CREATIVE MAGIC EVOLVE THROUGH FOOD PREPARATION
Cooking is often one of those chores that’s done almost automatically. When was the last time you cooked mindfully? When I last prepared my vegetable stew, I focused on every step, from cutting the vegetables to mixing the ingredients. I noticed the mixing of smells and observed the ingredients being transformed into something delicious. On this note, I remembered watching my grandmother as she was immersed in the kneading of bread or preparing pancakes. The farm kitchen smelled of wood, melted chocolate and wheat flour. Mmmm, even now, I could just sit there on her old chest and enjoy the moment.
Why don’t you try it, too? Be aware of the blessing of food preparation, the advantages of all the appliances enabling us to cook, the ability to receive the benefits of vitamins, minerals and the chi energy present in every prepared morsel.
DON’T FORGET: REST CAN HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON YOUR WELLBEING
Relaxation doesn’t only mean lying on the sofa (although that can be an art all on its own!). When you unwind, be present and observe how your body and mind are relaxing.
Every time I enjoy a relaxing evening with a particularly soft blanket accompanied by gentle music, I notice that every part of my body is calming down. In fact, this is my evening relaxation ritual to which I add a cup of herbal tea and a biscuit. The moment is made utterly perfect by my cat, who delights in resting on my chest, and when I lower my arm from the sofa, my fingers caress the fur of my Labrador retriever. This heavenly moment awakens my five senses, and even the sixth one.
Do you, too, have your relaxation ritual? Let it be conscious and only yours.
TRAVELLING IS THE KEY TO SELF-DISCOVERY
To travel is to write the best book about yourself. Every place you visit and every experience you encounter become parts of your personal story. When Dušan and I discover new WOODWEGO destinations, each time we undertake to fully live out each individual experience, from the flavours of local food to admiring unique architecture and seeking heartfelt contacts with friendly hosts and locals. We don’t take anything for granted. Every path is full of surprises that open the door to new people, new cultures and – what’s most important – to new aspects of ourselves.
So, dear explorers of life, next time you feel overwhelmed and overburdened in the world of ceaseless obligations and stress, just stop. Take a conscious breath in and out, notice your surroundings and enjoy this given moment. Connecting with yourself doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s a skill that can be cultivated. And the truth is, no one can do it for you. Every step is yours to take.
So, as you experience and discover, remember: above all, be present. Embrace the art of now!
Because life, after all, is truly wonderful!
