Living with dementia shows value of focusing on the present By Angela Lunde August 5, 2015
Take this time to think about how often you're truly present in the moment. By this I mean you're completely focused on what you're doing the meal you're eating, the shower you're taking, the person you're with.
Are you are awake for your life as it is right now the sound of the birds in your back yard, the warm wind on your face? Are you aware of the tension you may be holding in your shoulders or jaw? Most of us would honestly answer, not really.
Now consider how often your mind is ruminating about a past situation or dreading something in the future that may never occur. Think about how often you're drawn to that inner voice that feeds on putting you down and strengthening your insecurities and worries. So what's an antidote for distraction? More presence.
I've discovered I'm most present when I'm with people living with Alzheimer's. When I help Maggie prepare a meal or Hank plant flowers, it forces me to slow down, pause, and listen with my ears and eyes. With Maggie and Hank, I'm focused on the present what we're doing at that moment.
When I'm with Walter or Catherine, I know I must pay attention to my actions, the tone of my voice and my body language. If I'm thinking about something that worries me or a conversation that annoyed me, I become worried and agitated.
Walter and Catharine pick up on these negative emotions and they too can become angry or agitated. Those living with dementia are acutely tuned in to my non-verbal communication.
Anna is in the later stages of Alzheimer's. When I'm with her, I'm aware of her pace and rhythm and I match mine to hers. I watch her closely for clues as to what she might need or is communicating through her expressions, movements, muttered words or behaviors. The way Anna is feeling and behaving is in sync with what she's engaged in at that time and the quality of the interactions she's having with me at that moment.
The truth is Anna, Walter, Maggie, Hank, Catherine and others living with dementia may be more "in-the world" then most. Each of them embodies the credo that life is in this moment. Being with them means being present. They are my meditation, without meditating.
Aug. 05, 2015
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http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-blog/focusing-on-the-present/bgp-20149342
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