Using the power of the present is sometimes called mindfulness. Isn’t it true that when we’re mindful, we’re consciously aware? In other words, we’re present in the present. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in how you achieve your goals.

Louise Hay

Author Louise Hay dedicated her life to helping people discover how to use their creative powers for personal growth and self-healing. With this in mind, in her book, Heal Your Body, she says, “The point of power is always in the present moment. This is where we begin to make changes. What a liberating idea. We can begin to let the old nonsense go. Right now. The smallest beginning will make a difference.“

If the point of power is in the present moment, then we have the ability to use it to:

Make changes.

Think about the things in your life that aren’t working for you. Such as your job, partner, health, finances, or even your lifestyle. What are you going to do about it? Using mindfulness, you’re going to grab the opportunity to take the first step towards your new, powerful life.

To this end, make a conscious decision to enact the changes you need to move forward. Think about it, what happened yesterday can’t be changed – it’s over and it’s best to leave it behind. What about tomorrow? You know, the future? It’s coming whether you do something positive or not. Thus, you decide if it’s going to be a better life by what you do now.

Show gratitude.

Being one with the present means taking the time to look up at that beautiful blue sky, count those fluffy white clouds and thank the universe for sharing it with you. Maybe you’re smiling down at the happy little baby in your arms as you memorize his smile and each and every one of his features. Perhaps you’re snuggling with your puppy and you’re really focusing on how soft she is.

Or, in my case, it’s being oh so grateful to have a blog to share the things I’ve learned in my life. Above all, showing appreciation is a proven way to stay in the moment while using the power of the present.

Live in love, patience, and understanding.

To be mindful is to be thoughtful. Therefore, you can use kindness to become a more loving, patient, and understanding person. For instance, being mindful can mean engaging with others in a caring and courteous way. Showing respect and attention in a loving manner is always welcome. Become patient with yourself and watch others become more agreeable. Understanding others will help you realize that you can’t possibly know why a person behaves a certain way unless you’ve walked in his shoes.

The power of the present revealed.

Developing the focus necessary to create change can be difficult at first. Many people recommend meditation to train yourself to become more aware. Try this music to meditate to and enjoy the process of becoming a better version of you.

Make these changes and you’ll soon reap the rewards. To be sure, the first thing you’ll notice is living your life in this manner makes room in your heart for others. And, what’s funny is, even though you’ve cleared out space for others, your heart is still full.

The mind is a terrible thing to waste. So, take a step in the right direction by reading this Dance Safari post on using your mind, “6 Things Your Mom Would Tell You About the Power of Positive Thinking“.

If you find you tend to be mad, unhappy, or frustrated, be kind to yourself and take a moment to release these feelings. Don’t be a slave to your emotions, rather use them to claim the riches of the life you want and deserve. Ultimately, using mindfulness is the first step to manifesting the power to rise above your environment.