“How do I get out of autopilot?” Last week, I was talking to my therapist about how I wake up and rush through my day, almost automatically, just to complete everything I plan. And I know I'm not alone in this.

• Worse are those days that feel like they'll fade into oblivion. Days that make you think, “I feel like I'm just existing.”

My therapist (cheers to you, Mateus) asked, “What moments in your day make you feel more in control of your time?” My answer was, “Actually, when I feel like I'm wasting time.”

Another moment I cherish is waking up on the weekend and spending an hour in bed, feeling the silk sheets or the duvet hugging me as I find the courage to rise. It feels like a complete waste of time as well - and I love it.

Reflecting on these moments, I began to wonder: is “simply existing” one of life's greatest pleasures? Just being, without the need to do anything.

I don't know if you're like me, juggling endless tasks, but I believe many of you are. So, I propose this for us:

If we allow ourselves to truly EXIST at certain moments in our day, we'll find that trivial things become meaningful, and “the presence of the present” can fill and transform what was before a busy yet empty day.

In practical terms:

• When you wake up, spend 5 minutes feeling the warmth of the sun or listen to your favorite songs in bed before rising.

• When you eat or drink coffee, savor the flavors.

• During exercise, turn off your headphones for a few minutes to feel your muscles working and your heartbeat accelerating.

• When drinking water, notice how it really refreshes you.

• In conversation, look into someone’s eyes, listen to their tone, and observe their micro expressions.

Most importantly: Don’t be scared of not being optimal with your time 100% of the time.

These practices help us gain presence, become more aware of our life, body, and existence. Over time, they can provoke deeper introspection with questions like:

• Do I feel good in this place?

• Do I like the way I am living my life?

• Is what I'm seeking truly what I want?

• WHY am I living, doing, offering, or avoiding this and that?

By existing with more awareness, doing things that might seem like “wasting my time”, is when I am actually switching off autopilot mode. So, I'll finish here to take a long, reflective shower. And you? How will you exist today?

With love,

Micael.