True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing.

Seneca

It is rare that your mind is on the present. Too often it is worrying about the future, planning what’s next in our head, thinking about lunch or rehearsing a conversation. Or we are regretting something in the past, rehashing an old argument, being mad at an incident that happened this morning.

When we are constantly thinking about things besides what we are doing at this moment we become unfocused. Everything takes longer. We are saddled with feelings from the past or worry about the future.

What happens when you focus on what you are doing? To me it feels like flow. I am thinking and engaged with the task. The steps become clearer and I am more organized. I notice with the senses and feel more alive. I bring more love to what I am doing. I get settled into my body and allow myself to take breaks to drink water, move my body or feed myself.

When we are in the present we have room to feel the body, direct the mind and bring the soul into the work.

I put this into a recent Weekly Simplicity Tip:

The more you merge mind, body and spirit into a task, the easier and more flowing the task becomes.

We are never going to be perfect at this or staying present. Our minds wander. That’s what they do. But, check in (maybe set some alarms) to see if you are present during your task. Put up post-it notes. Maybe a reminder on your computer or phone screen.

See how being present changes your tasks.