We can spend our entire life looking forward to something, scheduling things in for the future, that we forget how to enjoy the here and now. Every parent knows that ‘being present’ and in the moment with your child, setting aside devices and distractions, is what’s needed for children to thrive – and what’s needed for a happy, harmonious home. But, the reality is that it’s much easier said than done and there are more obstacles to being present than just phones and technology – which ones do you face?

Presence

Presence in a relationship is ‘Being’ in a certain kind of way. We are all human beings, but we often forget about the ‘Being’ in our busy and chaotic lives spent ‘Doing’ all the time. When we remember to Be rather than Do, our state changes completely. When we ‘Be’ we become calmer, more relaxed, and if we’re lucky we connect with that inner stillness that lies deep within each and every one of us. In that inner stillness lies true wisdom.

6 Habits to help you be more present

1.Gratitude: Celebrate the tiny joys i.e. who you are with, what you can see, food that you are eating, Let them be children etc.

2. Practice mindfulness i.e. when you are talking to family or friends be interested. (Talk, listen and be curious by ask questions).

3. Also Listen without intending to respond and with your eyes. Moments are often lost as we change the direction of the conversation without realising it.

4. Reduce distractions.

5. Park your thoughts of what “should” or “shouldn’t” happen.

6. Try not to think about work.