Mindfulness and Presence (Living in the Now)

Mindfulness and Presence (Living in the Now): Mastering the Art of Living in the Present Moment to Feel God in Every Breath

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing full awareness to the present moment without judgment. It is the art of being fully engaged in what is happening now, without being distracted by thoughts of the past or the future. Through mindfulness, we can access a state of presence where we can experience the Divine in each breath and every moment of our lives. This practice is not just about focusing on what we are doing but also about cultivating a deep awareness of who we are and our connection to the Divine.

The essence of mindfulness is rooted in the understanding that the present moment is sacred, and that God or the Divine can be experienced in the now, in the spaces between thoughts and actions. By living in the present moment, we begin to feel the divine presence in the ordinary, mundane aspects of life—whether it’s in a deep breath, a kind word, or simply the sensation of walking on the earth.

1. The Power of the Present Moment

The present moment is the only true reality. The past is gone, and the future has not yet arrived. God is present in the now—this is the only time where divinity can be felt, experienced, and accessed. By living in the present moment, we can break free from the distractions of the mind and open ourselves to a deeper connection with the Divine.

Eckhart Tolle, in his book The Power of Now, emphasizes that true peace and enlightenment can only be found in the present. When we are fully present, we dissolve the sense of separation between ourselves and the world around us, experiencing unity with all that is.
Sufi teachings also speak to the importance of being present. The Sufi poet Rumi writes, "Be like the tree that gives its shade to those who pass by. You are a living testament to the present moment, to the Divine in every breath."

2. The Role of Mindfulness in Spiritual Practice

Mindfulness is more than just a mental technique—it is a spiritual practice that helps us stay attuned to the Divine. When we practice mindfulness, we intentionally choose to become present with everything we do. Every action, no matter how small, becomes an offering to God, an act of devotion.

The Simple Awareness of Breath: One of the most profound ways to cultivate mindfulness is through breath awareness. Breath is life, and it is in each breath that we can find a reflection of the Divine. When we breathe consciously, we enter into the present moment, feeling the presence of God in each inhale and exhale.
Mindful Action: Every action, from washing dishes to walking through a park, can be done with mindfulness. By bringing full awareness to our actions, we infuse them with divinity and sacredness. As Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist teacher, teaches, “When you wash your hands, wash them like it’s the most sacred thing you’ve ever done.”

3. Letting Go of Past and Future: Surrendering to the Now

To be truly present, we must learn to release our attachment to the past and future. The mind constantly pulls us into memories or projections, but neither the past nor the future can provide the peace and clarity that the present moment offers. By surrendering to the now, we trust that we are exactly where we need to be.

The Art of Surrender: Mindfulness teaches us to surrender to the flow of life, to let go of control, and trust in the Divine timing of all things. As the Tao Te Ching teaches, “By letting go, it all gets done.” In surrender, we are not passive; rather, we align ourselves with the Divine, allowing the universe to guide us.
Presence in Silence: True presence often comes in stillness and silence. When we stop thinking and stop judging, we can hear the quiet voice of God within. Meditative silence allows us to feel the sacredness of our being and the world around us.

4. The Practice of Being Present with the Body

Our bodies are the temples of the Divine. By being mindful of the body, we cultivate a deeper connection to our spiritual nature. The body is always in the present moment, and by consciously feeling into the body, we become more grounded in the now.

Body Awareness: Pay attention to the sensations of the body—how your feet feel against the ground, the warmth of the sun on your skin, the beating of your heart. Every sensation is an invitation to return to the present and experience God in the physical form.
Walking Meditation: One powerful way to practice mindfulness with the body is through walking meditation. As you walk slowly and deliberately, focus your awareness on each step, feeling your feet connecting to the earth, and observing the rhythm of your movements. Walking becomes a sacred act when done with full awareness.

5. Finding God in the Present Moment

In every breath, every thought, every action, and every interaction, God is present. The practice of mindfulness allows us to see that God is not separate from us, but is alive in everything around us. By practicing presence, we open ourselves to the experience of divinity in the mundane and ordinary aspects of life.

Feeling God in Every Breath: Each breath can be seen as a gift, a moment of communion with the Divine. When we breathe with full awareness, we can feel the sacredness of life. We are not just breathing air; we are breathing the energy of the universe, the very essence of God.
Living Mindfully with Others: Being present with others is also an opportunity to experience the Divine. When we listen with full attention, when we speak with kindness, when we love without distraction, we are embodying the presence of God in our relationships. Mother Teresa once said, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." This is mindfulness in action.

6. Mindfulness as a Path to Enlightenment

Ultimately, the practice of mindfulness leads to spiritual awakening and enlightenment. As we become more present, we dissolve the illusion of separation and come to recognize that we are one with the Divine. Mindfulness teaches us to see through the veil of ego and to recognize that our true nature is divine and eternal.

Transcending the Ego: When we are fully present, the ego—the part of us that identifies with the past, the future, and external circumstances—loses its grip. We stop being driven by desires, fears, and attachments. The present moment becomes a doorway to divine presence and spiritual freedom.
Living in the Flow of Life: The more we practice mindfulness, the more we begin to flow with the natural rhythm of life. We are no longer struggling against time or circumstances but are in harmony with the divine flow. This state of flow is where we experience true peace, joy, and spiritual fulfillment.

7. Practical Techniques for Living in the Now

Mindful Breathing: Take a few minutes each day to practice deep, conscious breathing. Focus your attention on each breath, noticing the rise and fall of your chest or belly. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly, allowing each breath to bring you back to the present moment.
Mindful Eating: When you eat, engage all your senses in the process. Feel the texture of the food, savor the flavors, and be fully present with each bite. This simple act can be a powerful practice of mindfulness.
Gratitude Practice: Take time each day to express gratitude for the present moment. Whether through journaling or silent reflection, acknowledging the blessings of now helps us stay connected to the Divine.
Mindful Walking: Walk slowly and intentionally, paying attention to your surroundings, the movement of your body, and the sensations of the ground beneath your feet. With each step, feel the connection to the Earth and the Divine energy that flows through all things.

Conclusion: God in Every Breath

To live in the present moment is to feel God in every breath, every thought, and every action. Mindfulness is the art of connecting to the Divine within and around us, realizing that the present moment is sacred and God is always present. By practicing mindfulness, we cultivate an awareness that transcends time and space, leading us to a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Divine and all of creation. Through the practice of living in the now, we awaken to the truth that we are one with God, and that the present moment is where divinity is most fully experienced.