7 things you should do in July to help grab the moment

There are so many ways to be present, and to grab the moment. And it is important to do so. So much learning about your self happens in those quiet and often quick moments when we are aware of what is really happening around us.

I usually suggest meditation to make everything a feel a little less crazy . And as soon as I tell a client or a friend about its power– even for 2 minutes –  to reach some awareness of the importance of the current moment, I seem to lose them. I get it. Meditating seems hard.  People are afraid of doing it “wrong”, even though there really is no wrong way to meditate. You just have to be willing to try. While it’s not easy, it is a necessary component of living life well.

But there are many out-of-the-box ways of meditating. And you have probably been using them all along!

Here are 7 ways you can grab onto some good summer fun while you grab the moment as well.

1. Get in water.

A lake, pond, pool or ocean – doesn’t matter. Being in water is so refreshing and cleansing. Not even or really in the bathing sense but to the mind and soul. Submerge yourself; lay on your back, ears in the water and pay attention as you float to the muffled sounds beneath you, and the silence of it. And breathe. It’s a stress release and a real slice of being in the moment.

2. Take a road trip.

This can be a day trip, a weekend excursion, or a full-blown week away.  It doesn’t matter.  Taking a “trip” of sorts changes up the scenery and the day-to-day. Life can get mundane and boring.  Changing it up creates a higher frequency of happiness.  Pack a lunch and plethora of snacks and go somewhere you’ve never been. Revel in this new space, and note the new sites and sounds.

3. Climb a tree.

I’m a fan of this kind of thing for two reasons: it gets you out in nature and likely brings the child out in you. Both are great ways to plant your feet in the present and appreciate the simple things that can make you truly happy.

4. Write a letter or two.

I’ve written a bit about the beautiful affects writing a letter has on the body and mind.  If you want to spread some love and slow down a bit, write a letter!  Warning: It may cause feelings of greater esteem and joy.

5. Go for a hike.

Exercise for sure is good for the body, but being in nature is one the best ways to get present.  There is something so humbling when you take a second to breathe in fresh air and take a look at all of that nature around you.

6. Watch a sunset and a sunrise.

No matter how many of both I see I am still amazed.  To me, it is the ultimate way to be in the moment.  You are watching each second matter as they literally changes the landscape to start or end a day.  Taking the time to be present as the world does it’s thing is pretty powerful to say the least.

7. Stare at the starry ski for 10 minutes

Every time I do this I feel so small.  Not in the low-esteem way but rather in the filled-with-awe way.  Taking time to look up at the vast evening ski, gazing at stars, perhaps wishing on a few, slows you down. And – if you are really thinking about all you are looking at – puts into great perspective what an amazingly beautiful world we live in.

Have you done any of these things to take in the moment and enjoy summer?  If not, to which will you give a try?  I’d love to hear about your experiences grabbing the moment in the comments!