Live consciously: the beauty of the moment

In our modern, fast world, we often take a lot of it as a matter of course. Many of us live in the belief that people, skills and things that surround us will always be present – a thinking that often only breaks out when something or someone is lost. Only in the absence do we understand the real value of what we once had. Be it our own body, our mobility or the people who are close to our heart – the insight as to how precious all of this is, often only occurs when it is too late.

The treasure of the body: walking, dancing, life

Our body is one of the most valuable gifts we own, but how often do we take it for granted. We get up, walk, run and dance, often without thinking about what miracles our body are doing. Only when an illness, injury or age prevents us from these skills, do we understand how much joy and freedom have made it possible for us to be mobility.

Dancing is a nice example of this. When we dance, we experience the freedom of our body and the power of movement. But only a few of us consciously take the time to appreciate this ability. Only at the moment when our body no longer allows us the movement, we feel the emptiness and recognize how valuable this expression of liveliness was. The ability to go, dance and move us freely is a gift that we often only understand when it is no longer available.

The loss of beloved people: a painful wake -up call

We also often accept the people around us. We live, laugh and cry with them, assume that they will always be there for us. But when a beloved person leaves us – be it through distance or death – the realization of how much we have appreciated it affects us with full force. The words that were not said that the time that could have been spent together will become painful memories and missed opportunities.

The relationship with the people who are close to our heart is something that we should never accept as a matter of course. But especially in everyday life, we forget that every moment is unique and irretrievable with them.

Viktor Frankl and the importance of the moment

The neurologist and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, who survived the Holocaust and gained deep insights into human existence, said: “There is a space between charm and reaction. In this space, our power is to choose our reaction. Our reaction is our growth and freedom.” Frankl speaks of the freedom of how we react to reality around us and how we can find meaning in it – even in the darkest moments.

Frankl’s knowledge reminds us that awareness of the value of things and people around us is a conscious decision. We have the freedom to appreciate the moment and see the beauty of the present instead of waiting until life forces us to become aware of our losses.

Frankl, who was looking for a meaning and value for the existing in the most extreme conditions of his life, showed that gratitude does not depend on how much we have, but how consciously we experience what surrounds us.

See everyday new things: what we take a matter of course

There are so many aspects of life that we do not appreciate enough:

• Health and body: As often as we complain about small ailments or imperfections, without being aware of how strong and valuable our body is as long as it works.
• Time and freedom: We often take our leisure and moments of calm without seeing how valuable they are for our well -being. How quickly these times pass and how often do we want to have used them better later.
• Friendships and family: We assume that the people who are close to us will always be there. In reality, the time is precious and finally. Every moment is an opportunity to create deep connections and express appreciation.
• Skills and freedom: We have the ability to think, create and learn, and are able to shape life according to our wishes. This freedom is a gift that is not available to many people worldwide.

How we can regain the value of the moment

If we make ourselves aware of how transient everything is, we can experience life with more depth and gratitude. Here are some ideas on how to start consciously to appreciate the moment again:

• Introduce gratitude rituals: Write down every day what you are grateful for – that can be everyday things like a walk, a conversation or a meal. So you draw your attention to what you have instead of what is missing.
• Conscious conversations: Instead of having casual conversations, listen actively and really be with the person you talk to. It deepens the bond and brings more appreciation for the people around you.
• Experience physical movement consciously: Whether walking, dancing or sport, take the time to feel the movements of your body. It reminds you of how strong and lively you are.
• Spend time in nature: Nature teaches us to appreciate the simplicity of the moment. Watch how the light changes, the birds sing or the wind blows through the trees – all of these are small miracles that often escape us.

Gratitude as a key to abundance

Life is a gift that can be rediscovered at any moment. We are able to consciously control our perception and to give what surrounds us. By consciously living the moment and do not wait for the loss, we really learn, all that surrounds us. Viktor FranklS words about the space between the stimulus and reaction remind us that it is our decision on how we experience life and whether we open up to gratitude and love.

There is nothing more important than being in the here and now and seeing the beauty that surrounds us. May we all find the strength to appreciate life in all its fullness and transience before we become aware of it too late.