How to Step Into the Now

How to Step Into the Now

We often talk about living in the now here at Life, for instance. There are numerous books about it, notably, The Power of Now. Years ago a friend loaned me that book but I couldn’t get into it, though I tried. I couldn’t seem to get into the now either.

I needed something simple, something with steps. As it turned out steps were, literally, what I found.

Our home is in a two-story house with office on the main floor and stockroom in the basement. I spend a lot of time on one staircase or the other in the run of a day. One day it occurred to me to move slowly and consciously as I go up or down the stairs, becoming aware of the steps and the muscles in my body that move me. I realized that in slowing myself down and amplifying my awareness I was coming into the moment.

The steps have become a trigger for me. Every time I mount or descend steps I slow down and get into the now, returning my awareness to the present moment. I’m beginning to extend this exercise to any steps I take, finding the moment even when I’m still.

This exercise is having a profound effect on me. I’ve never been so busy and yet I’m calm, balanced and relaxed. Could this exercise be the cause of this? I’m not “there” yet but I’m being patient with myself; I’m just taking it one step at a time.

How do you come into the now? Have you ever used triggers to form or break a habit? What triggers do you use to remind yourself to do something you want to do?

photo credit: Vince DeStephano

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About The Author


I have always loved writing and community building. I’ve written a book about healing and happiness, The Happy Place, as well as a Community Building book, Sounding the Drum: Community Building in the Digital Age,both available at any Amazon store. I’ve been through life changes that I thought were the end of my world, but I’m still here. You never know what will happen next. Isn’t that what makes life interesting?