Have you ever felt like your mind is constantly racing, jumping from one thought to the next? Like you’re either replaying old memories or worrying about what might happen in the future? I’ve been there. And for the longest time, I didn’t know how to break free.
That’s why Chapter 9 of Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself was such a revelation for me. Dr. Joe Dispenza explains that to create a new reality, you need to let go of the past and future and fully embrace the present moment.
The Power of the Present Moment
The present moment is where change happens. It’s the only place where you can truly take control of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. But most of us are either stuck in the past, replaying old memories and emotions, or focused on the future, worrying about what might happen.
For me, this was a wake-up call. I realized that I was spending so much time either dwelling on the past or worrying about the future that I was missing out on the present. And if I wanted to create a new reality, I needed to start living in the now.
Awareness is the First Step
The first step to embracing the present moment is awareness. You need to become aware of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. What patterns are holding you back? What habits are keeping you stuck?
I started paying attention to my thoughts and emotions. I noticed when I was slipping into old patterns—like overthinking, self-criticism, or avoidance. At first, it was uncomfortable. But I realized that awareness is the first step to change. You can’t change what you don’t see.
Focus Your Attention
What you focus on grows. If you focus on negative thoughts and emotions, they’ll become stronger. But if you focus on positive thoughts and emotions, they’ll become stronger too.
For me, this meant shifting my attention to what I wanted to create. Instead of dwelling on my problems, I started focusing on my goals. I visualized the person I wanted to become—confident, focused, and in control. And I connected to the emotions of joy, gratitude, and confidence.
Let Go of the Past and Future
Letting go of the past and future is easier said than done. But it’s essential if you want to create a new reality. The past is gone, and the future hasn’t happened yet. The only thing you can control is the present moment.
I started practicing letting go of the past and future. Whenever I caught myself replaying old memories or worrying about what might happen, I’d take a deep breath and bring myself back to the present. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.
Practice Being Present
Being present is a skill that takes practice. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.
I started incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine. I’d take a few minutes each day to sit quietly, focus on my breath, and bring myself into the present moment. At first, it was challenging. My mind would wander, and I’d get frustrated. But over time, I started to notice a shift. I felt more focused, more calm, and more in control of my thoughts and emotions.
Final Thoughts
Chapter 9 was a reminder that the present moment is where change happens. It’s the only place where you can truly take control of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. And by embracing the present, you can break free from old patterns and create a new reality.
If you’re feeling stuck, take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you living in the past, the future, or the present? And most importantly, what can you do to bring yourself into the now?
Remember, you’re not stuck with the person you are. You have the power to change. So, what are you waiting for? Start living in the present moment today.