Where are you?

Do you think you're at home, in the office, on public transport, or in a hospital bed? You think you're in the city, by the sea, in the mountains, or in the countryside... But wherever you are, you're always in the present.

Always here, in the present.

Your mind may try to convince you otherwise, by taking you back to the past or projecting you into the future. It tells you what should have been different, or what could go wrong. But all of this is just an illusion, because the only reality that exists is that you are here, in the present. You, here, now.

You are here, in the present. And at this moment, your body is in a certain position. Parts of your body touch the floor, a chair, a deckchair, a sofa, a car seat, or a desk. Clothes or air brush against your skin. Sounds reach your ears, and your eyes scan those little black signs that align to form words your brain recognizes.

Take a moment to look around you. You’re not seeing objects, furniture, or even “those things that should be put away” — for they’re perfectly in their place, in the present. You’re observing shapes, colors, and the spaces between volumes. Notice the textures. Imagine being the air in contact with these textures: cold, warm, smooth, soft, rough…

See these things as if you’re discovering them for the very first time, without knowing what they are or what they’re for. You have no words to describe them. Likewise, you're hearing these distinct sounds for the first time, without knowing what creates them. Everything is new at this moment.

Imagine that this body you inhabit, which allows you to be part of the present and play in it, is being embodied for the very first time. You perceive the world through your senses. You hear, you see, you feel. Your body is in contact with the world. You breathe the present.

So, where are you?

At every moment, you are in the present. There is only the present. The restful present.

And if you observe it closely, you’ll notice how it seeks to capture your attention.

Have a beautiful day,

Stephanie Romeo

INSIGHT

What I’ve suggested today is a moment of “Reset”, to be practiced as often as possible. This exercise helps you heighten your awareness and take a step back from events. It also brings immediate well-being and renewal, as if you were opening a window to let in fresh air after having lacked it.

Perhaps you’re going through a difficult time right now. You may be worried about yourself or someone you love. You might feel sad, stressed, or even angry because you wish things were different. Return to the present, to the simplicity of things, so that the flow of your thoughts — the source of all your problems — gradually calms down.

Remember:

Without thoughts, there are no problems.

Thoughts create emotions.

So we must choose our thoughts.

If you'd like me to help you through a difficult time, I’m here for you.

Stephanie Romeo