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Recently, I was sitting in the dentist’s chair having a root canal – and it just seemed to keep going and going, and, of course, I wanted it to be over.

We are often in situations that we just want to get out of as quickly as possible, or we think that “if only” something else were true, we could be happy.  How much time and energy do we spend wishing it were the future or dwelling on the past without really even noticing – let alone enjoying – the present?

And I’ll agree that there are some “moments” where it wouldn’t necessarily be easy to find a positive or uplifting aspect.  But how much time do you really want to use to wish part of your life away?

What if you could just surrender to and be in the moment, embracing it and using it to its maximum benefit?  (I would highly recommend that you watch Marie Forleo’s interview with Mastin Kipp at http://www.marieforleo.com/2012/06/live-your-purpose/ that discusses this in more depth.)

This isn’t about giving up; this is about seeing the deeper value in the moment instead of fighting it, trying to control it and likely getting frustrated, angry and resentful.    Here are some strategies to stop fighting the moment.

BREATHE

As basic as this sounds, when we try to fight what is instead of living in it and doing our best to improve the situation and grow through it, our thoughts and hearts race and our tension builds.  Instead, just take a few moments to breathe.  Four seconds in.  Hold for four seconds.  Four seconds out.  If you can, close your eyes as well and truly focus on your breathing.  This will allow you to slow your thinking, be more present in the moment and tune in more clearly to the wisdom of your own inner voice.

REFLECT ON SURRENDER

Take a few moments to reflect on what surrendering to the moment would mean for you.  You can either think about this or journal your reflections as well.  What would surrender mean?  What beliefs would you have to let go of in order to be able to truly surrender?  How could surrendering benefit you?

TUNE IN BY TUNING OUT

Often, external stimuli can sometimes lead to overload, especially when it seems to be coming at you from every direction.  Sometimes, your feelings of dissatisfaction and overwhelm come from trying to take it all in and be everything to all people.  By taking some time and space to tune some of it out, you are better able to hear yourself think and to tune in to the sometimes subtle messages of your own inner wisdom, including your deepest dreams and possible resolutions to challenges you are facing.

I’d love to hear how you will surrender to and be in the moment today.  Comment or email me at elizabeth@heartandsoulliving.com to let me know.