Being present simply means you’re focused and engaged in the here and now.  However, when you’re distracted or mentally absent, your body can physically inhabit a space while your mind is elsewhere.  As your physical self moves through your day, does your emotional self keep up or does your mind drift and wander?

Contrary to popular belief, human beings cannot multitask.  The brain is capable of handling a number of serial tasks in rapid succession, or alternating between tasks, but it cannot manage two tasks simultaneously.  That’s one of the reasons why texting while driving is viewed as the functional equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit.  Even the superficial, automatic tasks cannot be managed concurrently.

While you can’t physically do two things at once, however, the mind does like to wander very often from the task at hand, drifting away from the present moment.

I am aware that being present, even during Yoga practice, is astoundingly difficult much of the time.  There are times when I’m practising where I’m dreaming of the future or remembering the past.  But Yoga practice enables a dissolution of distracting thoughts.  By relaxing and connecting to the body, you’re not worrying about your work load or the list of things you need to do.  And unlike when you’re in a busy environment, when you’re practising Yoga the present moment is so much more appealing, so it’s a good time to develop this awareness.  Staying established in a relaxed space, thoughts begin to dissolve into a peacefulness beyond.  The reality of the present moment here is much more inviting than in those times of stress or difficulty.

So I recommend you make your intention for your next class to be about being right in the moment. Being present for the full hour of your practice.  Being connected with yourself and with everything within and around you.

When you close your eyes at the end of your practice, really allow your senses to be drawn inward.  Allow your focus to move from the external to the internal.  Remember this feeling when you’re in the midst of a busy or tumultuous day.  Remind yourself what it feels like in your body to recharge your present moment awareness.

In essence, your Yoga class of Downward Facing Dogs and Warriors is, at its foundation, a practice of being present.

Adding pranayama or meditation will further enhance your ability to notice when your mind is wandering.  The more you practise returning your focus to the present, the stronger the habit will become, both in the Yoga studio and in your life.