Reaching happiness by attention on 'carpe diem'!

Happiness depends on our inner state of mind. Plus, also on how much we cherish and enjoy every second we live! The exact moment we spend right now.

"Everyone has trouble focusing and being present", says clinical psychologist and family therapist, Dr. Anna-Marie Taylor. "Either we're living in the past — and that's associated with depression — where people look back and can't change their anxiety, or they thinking 'what if' and living in the future".

Here's how to start. Peel yourself away from the past!

Dr. Taylor says that to be "able to enjoy the sunset and enjoy the moment", we need to put aside any of our childhood traumas. They are bad and they can lead us to depressions, later in life!

"If we have dealt with our personal trauma then we can deal with the inevitable change of life — the rain and sunshine of life", she says.

"If we're carrying past trauma, it diminishes our ability to experience joy".

We can manage with residual pain, anger and sadness by talking to friends and family, a counsellor or psychologist. Talking is a great way to deal with the excess emotions and clear the way for our real and present self to be able to function, says Dr. Taylor.

Start paying attention

Don Peers (meditation teacher) says the key to being present is in the word "attention". Instead of using the phrase "let's be present", perhaps we should be saying: "let's pay attention", he says.

"Attention has the attributes of wanting to be here, an openness and willingness to listen, and it brings awareness of all the senses and of course, it makes one ", says Peers, adding that we all know how to do it.

Five advices to pay attention, right below:

1. Take a deep breath and let go. Slow down your mind and really be there.

2. When you're surrounded by others, truly look at them. Be there for them and put aside your phone. Try to observe what their face, eyes and express.

3. When speaking with family or friends, listen to the tone and intonation of people's voices as well as their words. Instead of just hearing, really listen to the conversation and engage by asking questions or sympathising.

4. Be open. Allow space for that person and you to be with each other and connect.

5. Spend a moment with nature. Truly look at the tree or flower and appreciate how it grew. Be still for a while and allow the stillness to grow.