[EliteFranceska]

Hi Jacaranda- I also have trouble being present because I don't like reality. I'm not even facing any big decisions, I just struggle with all the pain I see around me and feel. It is simply easier to retreat into my daydreams. However, I've come to realize that this actually makes things worse; the only way to make our reality better is to recognize our suffering, embrace it, then let it go. As we are taught, everything is temporary and will pass. (And of course I realize this is often difficult to accept in the moment of suffering.)

Something that helps me is to take a minute and focus on one of my senses when I start to feel overwhelmed. The other day I was walking my dog and realized I was getting caught up in a flood of negative emotions; I concentrated on the feel of her leash in my hand and the gentle tugging through my arm and shoulder. Other times I have stopped to feel the wind on my face; the sound of a bird chirping; whatever is readily available. This helps me come back to the present, and also opens my senses to the beautiful things that are there. This in turn helps me get through the bigger, uglier things around me. Hopefully it can do the same for you.