Living Fully in the Moment by guest contributor Mary Ellen Moses

Each year, I marvel at how quickly time seems to pass. This sense of life rushing by brings certain questions to mind: “Am I on the right path? Am I wasting time? What should I be doing or learning/experiencing?”

Recently I came across an article entitled, “Why Our Sense of Time Speeds Up as We Age — And How To Slow It Down” by Nicole Spector, who investigated this phenomenon. Here is a paragraph from the article:

“Children’s working memory, attention and executive function are all undergoing development at the neural circuit level,” says Patricia Costello, PhD, a neuroscientist and program director at Walden University. “Their neural transmission is in effect physically slower compared to adults. This in turn affects how they perceive the passage of time. By the time we are adults, our time circuits are done wiring and we have learned from experience how to correctly encode the passage of time.”

So, while it is not a mystery as to why time seems to pass more quickly as we age, what can be done about it? From a yoga perspective, the answer is practicing present moment awareness. 

Being present means fully participating in whatever is happening in the moment. Almost everyone knows the experience of being so engrossed in a book or movie that you become part of the story, fully immersed in it. Similarly, while playing with children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews—watching, listening, all senses become involved in the wonder of the moment.

While vacationing in Italy years ago, I remember so many moments when I was fully engrossed, in awe of what I was experiencing. From San Marco’s frescoes by Fra Angelico, to Brancacci Chapel where Michelangelo had his nose broken, to the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. The complete awareness and enjoyment of different foods: tastes, smells, textures, temperatures.

Yet, there is no need to go to Italy to experience being fully in the moment. It is possible right here, right now in our own homes. It is all about awareness.

Yes, there are times in life where we want to escape the present moment. Times of loss, pain, stress, trauma. These times are also learning opportunities. We discover our inner strength, resiliency, compassion and peace. Experience these moments fully and then release them.

It does take practice. The mind will provide distraction through incessant thoughts and ideas and memories. This is normal. In yoga, we learn to use the breath to return awareness to the present moment, over and over and over again. It is worth the practice and effort to be able to experience life and loved ones more fully.

May you experience all the joy, strength, peace and abundance possible while living fully in the present moment. Namaste.

Mary Ellen Moses, E-RYT®, NJLMT, MLDT, is owner and director of Awakenings Point Yoga in Hackettstown. For more information call 973-670-7421 or visit AwakeningPoint.com.