Danielle Fagan ~ Living truly in the present moment is a skill few people possess. Children, plants, and animals all do it without even trying, but for some reason, the older we get, the more difficult it becomes. Adults tend to discuss, argue, and fret over “consciousness” and how to achieve it. I’ve even witnessed people fight over who is “more conscious” than the other.

In an attempt to shed light on a concept shrouded by mystery and differing opinion, I’ve listed 7 steps below on how to expand your consciousness as an individual:

1. Experience The Journey, Don’t Escape It

Enlightenment does not mean forgetting about bills, work, and responsibilities, or meditating every day. I know a lot of people who choose to escape social situations, finances, and deep relationships with others because of their empathetic or “spiritual” nature. There’s a Zen saying that goes, “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” You’re in this three-dimensional experience for a reason. Immerse yourself if it completely. Experience the thrill of life, the fear, the novelty, the dullness, the anger, the sadness, the change. Feel it completely.

2. Take Advantage of the “Now”

“Consciousness” is understanding that there is only now – everything else is distraction. If you want to change, change now. If you want to move, move now. If you want to love, love now. Life takes many unexpected twists and turns. We do not know where we are going. We only know that we have this moment. Don’t put off what you really want to do.

3. Just Observe

When we focus on the present, we become aware of our breath, our body, our triggers, our emotional reactions, our relationships, the reactions of others, and our quality of life. What do you notice? Are you enjoying your day? What do you not enjoy? Did you feel good after your last meal? What’s your mood like? What relationships uplift you? Which relationships bring you down? Take notice. Continue reading →