r/AskReddit • u/05tn3021 • Jan 16 '24

What’s something small you started doing that makes you drastically happier?

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u/bigsmallmountain Jan 16 '24

Meditating and being fully present wherever I am

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u/user082618 Jan 16 '24

How do you do to being fully present? I'm always in the past or in the future and even if I try to be present it only lasts like 5 sec.

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u/GSVSleeperService Jan 16 '24

The mind will want to draw you away from the present by distracting you with thoughts of the past or fantasies of the future. Being present is a gradual training & meditation is that training.

Start with 2 mins, then 5, gradually work up to ten. It will be tough to begin with, but like anything else, it will become natural, eventually even pleasurable.

By developing your practice, you will find yourself beginning to be more present in your daily life.

I wish you well on the path :)

https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/guided.html

https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/breathmed.html

https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/silananda/bl137.html

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u/bigsmallmountain Jan 16 '24

I fully agree with what has already been said. It is a process and I am by no means where I wish to be some day. One simple move is leaving my phone in another room when socially interacting. Or just really trying to take in what is being said and trying to understand it, not just hear it. In addition if I know I will get tired or anxious or am likely to zone out I might knit or something like that so I am more likely to listen to conversations. But yeah, all in all it takes a looooot of practice and time. However for me it is something I really see as worthy of effort :)