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' " % You may be reading this and won- dering what exactly this idea of “being present” means. For a long time, I didn’t really get it. I would think that if I was physically in a room, I was present. What I discovered is that I could be physically present in a room but my mind could be somewhere else. With my mind elsewhere, I could zone out, tune out and have no idea what was really going on in the room. People could be talking to each other, teaching a class, talking directly to me, and I would not really be hearing. With my mind elsewhere, my expe- rience consisted of what I made up in my mind, not what was actually happening in the room. I missed out and everyone in the room missed out. The truth is that being present in life is the biggest gift we can give to ourselves and to others. Being present enhances the experience to ultimate delights. Colors appear brighter, things seem clearer and best of all, everything feels right. Because in the present moment (now) nothing can be wrong. Things are only wrong when you are in the past wishing you did something different, or in the future worrying that you won’t get what you want. Neither of these are fun. With practice, being present becomes your go-to act. I’ve become really good at pulling myself in and focusing on now. It comes with awareness of where my thoughts are going. If I feel afraid of something that means I am off in the future somewhere. If I feel angry, bitter and resentful, it means that I have traveled my thoughts off into the past. Not fun. You can change at any moment. Make the decision that you want to be more present to your life and then practice a different way of being. If you can’t do this for yourself, do it for others. Giving the gift of your presence to someone else is the biggest gift you can ever ever give. Here’s what happens when you are present: • You experience life more fully. • You will be happier. ! Here are 3 actions you can practice and do daily that pull yourself back into the present moment and even- tually keep you here more often: 1. Awareness Time - Take con- stant notice what you are feel- ing. If you are anxious and fear- ful, you are in the future. If you are resentful and angry, you are in the past. Pull yourself into what is happening right this minute. Notice the difference in your feelings. 2. Gratitude Time - Every morning list 5 things you are grateful for. 3. Quiet Time - Set the timer for 5 minutes of silence. Focus on one mantra or word and let all other thoughts drop away without judgement. Rosie Battista is a spiritual life coach focusing on changes from the inside out to help you live your best life. Per- sonal coaching and women’s groups available. 908-872-8613. THE BIGGEST PRESENT OF ALL By: Rosie Battista, Spiritual Life Coach Founder of the Sleeping Naked After 40 Lifestyle “The biggest present you can give is your presence” ORBERA ™ Intragastric Balloon is a New Treatment in Battle Against Obesity Start Your ORBERA ™ Journey Right Here, Right Now Simple Design Portion Control 3x the Weight Loss of Diet & Exercise Alone We specialize in Gastroenterology, which is the treatment of diseases and disorders of the digestive system or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. %$&% (& ( &" + ( & %+$ $(& &"* "##' %&%) ! ( #(%$ )"( "' ( + ,