As I write this, it’s currently #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek in 2022. For me, looking after our own mental health is paramount. We’d look after any physical aches and pains and I feel that we all need to do more to be aware of how we’re truly feeling. Not what we think we’re feeling but how we’re actually feeling.

For me, that comes with being truly present in the moment. It sounds cliché but it’s true… the only moment we have is the now. The past has gone and the future is yet to come. This is really hard to remember at times but whenever I feel present, I feel more grounded, more connected with myself and generally happier.

I recently saw a video that explained (from research) that 47% of people aren’t present when doing a task. They’re too busy thinking of something else and I know I can be guilty of that. When we’re distracted with something else, we end up being disconnected from ourselves and others. When we’re disconnected, of course we’re not going to notice how we’re actually feeling – how could we?! Noticing thoughts but not necessarily needing to act upon them can be a powerful way to ground yourself in the present moment. It’s why mindfulness can be such a helpful activity.

“Life can be found only in the present moment. The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go back to ourselves in the present moment, we cannot be in touch with life.”  – Thich Nhat Hanh.

Thinking about this stuff made me reflect on Love Soul Choir and the power of group singing in general. When a member is at a Love Soul Choir session, it’s very hard to be distracted by other things because of the focus required, in the moment, to learn, sing or remember their parts. When we’re actively engaged in an activity that requires focus it brings us right to the present moment. On top of that, when you’re part of a group who are all actively present, this is incredible connecting and empowering. I realise that I’m working with a room full of people who are all (generally) in the present moment with each other. This blew my mind! 🤯

The pillars of good mental health are; connection, presence, purpose and belonging. Being part of a choir incorporates all of these pillars. It’s a powerful thing indeed.

My challenge for you this week is to take a few moments to be really present in whatever you’re doing. Even if you’re just washing the dishes.