From our Counsellors
Being Mindful in the Present Moment
This year Shelford has provided a number of diverse opportunities to students and the broader school community to get involved, have meaningful connections, reflect, play, share fun moments, and create memories. Throughout this final term, the students continue to be offered such opportunities and are encouraged to make the most of them by being aware and present.
“The more you are focused on time – past and future – the more you miss the now, the most precious thing there is.”
While it’s normal and understandable to experience a mix of emotions when we are anticipating a change, it is important to not let emotions and thoughts about the future take over and get in the way of savouring the present – regardless of whether these emotions make us feel nervous or excited about what’s to come. Sometimes we can get caught up in not wanting something to end (like a holiday, or enjoyable moments with family and friends) when it’s coming to a close, and this can prevent us from actually enjoying the time we do have left.
Practicing mindfulness and savouring the present moment allows us to immerse ourselves in day-to-day life and have meaningful experiences that turn into fond memories.
Some quick and effective ways to be mindful and aware of our experiences in the moment are:
- Connecting with our senses – notice what you can see, hear, smell, feel
- Breathing – consciously noticing our breaths and practicing deep inhales and long exhales
- Body scan – going from our head to our toes and noticing how each part feels
We can also enjoy the present by asking ourselves this grounding question:
“What’s good about this moment, and how can I appreciate and enjoy it?”
Further resources:
Eckhart Tolle’s simple guide to living in the present moment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB_qUY1dPrs
How to live in the moment – tools to be more present
https://positivepsychology.com/present-moment/
Where are you right now? – the importance of living in the present
5-min guided meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB_qUY1dPrs
Edith Benardeau-Short
Psychologist
Charlotte Edmonds
Counsellor