Being present in the moment can be challenging when our minds are constantly caught up in ruminating thoughts about the past or anxieties about the future. However, the intentional act of stopping or quieting our thinking can significantly aid this. This practice allows us to fully focus on our current experience, which is the core principle of mindfulness meditation-being fully present in the moment.
When you intentionally stop thinking, you can direct your attention to your sensory experiences, such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and physical sensations. These experiences have a grounding effect, bringing you back to the present moment and making you feel more centered and balanced.