An Autopilot Life

Have you ever driven somewhere, seemingly completely unfocused, just driving on “autopilot” to your destination? Failing to notice the buildings, people, or landscape passing by you. Maybe you’re not even aware of the song on the radio. Losing track of the world around you… with maybe the exception of the traffic signals.

In this same way, we can “drive” through life stuck in autopilot. Every once in a while we hit a traffic signal that may momentarily bring us back to the present, but the moment is fleeting and gone all too soon.

When our minds are focused on the future to come or the past we have already lived (a.k.a. on everything but the present moment), this is referred to as not being mindful.

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment, non-judgmentally, on purpose.

When we bring our attention to what we are experiencing right now in the present moment, we are living mindfully. Being mindful of the present moment may be through a physical experience of the five senses (sight, smell, taste, sound, or touch) or body sensations (i.e., pain or tingling). It may also be through experiencing a current state of mind (our thoughts and emotions).

To clarify, this doesn’t mean emptying your mind to be void of all thoughts, emotions, or anything else currently occupying our attention. Instead, it is taking a step back to the observer seat and simply noticing that you are having those thoughts or emotions… and letting them exist in the moment without judgment.

Easier said than done, I know. However, our bodies and minds already have the ability to live in the present moment. It is a matter of training ourselves to stay there, much like teaching a new puppy to sit and stay.

We currently live in a world where driving through life on autopilot happens all to often. Fortunately, you are in the driver’s seat, and you have the power to take hold of this journey.

Take a drive into the present moment; you might be surprised what you find.

Curious about how you can practice mindfulness? Check in next week for a short activity & more to help bring your attention to the present moment.