When we are present in the moment, we find that life works so much better. Our hidden agendas of controlling others' responses create separation, which creates tension, which, in turn, creates more anxiety about our performance. The Soul isn't interested in this kind of performance. It is attuned to the truth that is found in simplicity, in authenticity.

No matter what is going on in your life, you can always take a moment to focus on your breathing. When you find yourself in a tense situation, for example, you may notice that you are holding your breath. Putting your attention on your breathing can help you relax and immediately be in the here and now. This practice, found in many spiritual traditions, is often referred to as mindfulness, being present, or living in the now. You may ask, since we're breathing all the time, why do we need to practice it? What we're practicing is conscious awareness of the breath. Then breathing becomes a concentration exercise that not only focuses the mind but brings many healing benefits as well.

The Soul doesn't have to "look good," impress others, protect itself, or lie to get ahead. It reflects a purity that is of God. It reflects the simplicity of Spirit. This simplicity is often found in the quality of being present.

Nearly all the ancient spiritual teachings say, in one way or another: Be present. Be here now. Live in the moment; this moment is all there is. The question is: How do we do it? Becoming aware of your breath is one of the simplest ways to come into the present.

Now is the only moment. This is it. This is all there is. Enjoy it. You can still have aspirations and plans and visions; just place them where you can realistically handle them, and that starts with right here and now.

If you are having a difficult time, look at the ways you are clinging and hanging on to what is no longer present, what no longer serves you, and let go. Let go completely and freely, that you may find the one you have been looking for all along. God is awaiting your presence.

There is nothing to control. There is only a state of being.

Because it is your responsibility to handle this level, no one can really tell you what to do, and you really can't blame anyone else for what happens to you. As choices present themselves to you, you might feel confused, doubtful, or bewildered. The future can then become fraught with fear because you can't predict what's going to happen. That fear becomes a form of suffering. Again, the way to get out of that fear is to bring yourself present, in the now, and live in each moment. It's easier to be happy in the moment.

If you stay focused in the now, you can have tremendous joy and great fun wherever you find yourself. It's all your attitude, and your attitude is your choice.

Sometimes we have a tendency to go on what we imagine as our direction instead of paying attention to the way things are actually working. We may say, "This will change because I can see it. So I don't have to work with this because I can see how it is going to be." Be careful of those thoughts because you really need to be in touch with the way things are. It is not that what you are seeing isn't also accurate. Just make sure that what you see is integrated with what is. Because in order to get to where you want to go, you need to manage where you are well enough.