Being Present

A lot of people have issues with  focusing on the present. I am one of them. We are all so busy with sports, friends, family, work, hobbies, etc that sometimes we forget to remember we're living in the now. Throughout this journey I've gotten frustrated because  I'm not always conscious of what I want to do. Therefore I end up doing things I don't necessarily like myself doing. For example drinking beer, ordering food I wouldn't deem fit for my food plan, spending money, staying up too late, sleeping in. I know how I feel about each of these things, which is why I've chosen to make certain life changes. No matter how miniscule or how massive these choices are, they are still important to me. However if I really want that beer or that food I wont get angry at myself for indulging.

I am doing all of this because I believe it makes me happier and makes me into a better person for myself, my future and my friends and family.

But sometimes it's hard to realize what I am doing before I do it. I realize it wont come easily, change takes time and a lot of effort.

So I've been thinking of little ways to become more present in my life. Hopefully some of these things will help you as well.

The List:

You know when people say, "Make a list." When you're stressed or have a lot to do and you sort of brush it off? Well they're not in the wrong, making a list seriously helps. Sometimes you don't realize how much stuff you have going on in your head. You have an essay due, and readings that have to be done and a thing for work, and you have to pick up supplies and food and.... And each second you use up thinking "OK what do I have to do after this, then what do I have after that?" If you write it all down in a list you are more inclined to focus on the thing you're doing now, in the present.
Making a list helps your mind relax because it knows you've taken the time to already map out what you have to do. Not to mention when you start crossing out each thing you feel super accomplished!

Meditation:

I understand that meditation is not everyone's cup of tea but even if you make the choice to sit there for five minutes a day you'll see a difference. The type of meditation you want to do to make yourself aware of being in the present is... well, awareness meditation. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and use each one of your senses. Focus on one at a time and become aware of the way it feels or sounds or smells or tastes in the moment. And if one sensation wants to grab your attention, let it. It's all about being in the moment.
If you take the time to becoming aware of focusing on the present for this exercise it will come more easily to you throughout the day.

Write Them Down:

Write down the things you want to enjoy in the moment. Write down the things you overlook and do because you aren't present. Really focus on each one of these things and think about them in depth. That way when you come to them next time your mind will be more inclined to remember to be aware of what you're doing.



It is really just about training your mind, which I admit is not easy. But remember its your life and no one else can make changes except you. So if you see something you want, something that will make you happy, be aware of it! And on your way to fulfilling your dreams, live each moment out passionately!

Developing My Passion and My Ideas.

I had an interesting experience the other week where someone told me my dream of being in the theater program wasn't realistic, nor could they see me being accepted.

It came rather unexpectedly and in a situation where I did not think I was going to have to defend myself or my dream. I was literally so confused that I did a poor job of convincing this person other wise. So I walked away feeling blind sided and like shit.

I know I want to make this change, I know how passionate I am about theater, so why didn't they see this? So I decided to write all my thoughts and feelings down. Some of it may not make sense but I really just wanted to show you the process of how I realized how I can make theater into a job and not just an undergrad.


" Why theater?

Take responsibility, it's not her fault that she is trying to push you out of your comfort zone. She wants you to realize no one is going to just hand this over to you. You have to fight for it, you have to take it. 'But I thought by deciding to change my major and making that huge choice I was fighting for it! I thought I was taking a risk and it was a big deal!' Well it was, for you at least, how are they supposed to know your passion if you don't show it?
Since I can remember I wanted to act and be creative. But I never had that push, no one ever pushed me like I needed them too. Yes, people were supportive but I never reached out to someone and asked them to really help me with it. Then I realized I have to do it myself, its my life. I have to fight for what I want, I have to take responsibility for my own happiness.

Why does theater make you happy?

I love connecting with myself, pushing my limits, creating with other people. I believe in doing things I am passionate about and being creative opens up your happiness, opens up your life!
I love the way it makes me feel. How? Free, happy, exhilarated, passionate, accomplished, rested, fulfilled, connected.  You know how they say when you love someone you just know, I just know I love this! When I auditioned in 2009 it was one of the best days of my life! I loved the connections, the atmosphere. I loved myself. I want to love what I do and I want to collaberate with people. I want to fight! I want to learn and grow and try and succeed and feel in love with that I do.

Find yourself so that you can present yourself clearly, without fog. Show yourself!

How can you take your undergrad and make it mean more in collaboration with your life and business?

Theater - Rehabilitation - use theater/acting techniques!

Lifestyle coach - helping people - "rehabilitation" - theater techniques - help people. -- Become "one" with yourself, understand you, what goes into "you". Take responsibility for yourself.

Creative/ Art - Rehabilitate lifestyles.

How? Finding root, connecting with self, awareness.

Skills which help you to understand and control and consciously contribute to your life/lifestyle.

People supporting the arts... I want it to be... arts supporting the people!!

REVELATION! "


Before this experience I was viewing my undergrad and my business as two separate things. I believed that being in an undergraduate program that I loved and felt passionate about would somehow contribute to helping me succeed in my business. However when this person asked me what I wanted to do with theater and told me that being passionate about it doesn't pay the bills, I was forced to realize my true idea. Which is molding both into a sort of Creative lifestyle rehabilitation coach.

People will try and put you down, or push you around but it is up to you to take those experiences and use them to fuel your dreams and your passions.

You have dreams for a reason, to fulfill them.