How to Embrace Life's Experiences and Enjoy Life to the Fullest

What do you want in life? For some, it may be material possessions like luxurious homes, fancy cars, or designer clothes. For others, it may be the pursuit of personal achievements and success. However, at the core of it all, our enjoyment of life is derived from the experiences we have.

So, what you really want in life, might seem like a simple question, but it doesn’t have any easy answers.

We are running blindly through our everyday lives, never really aware — waking up while we still need rest, getting dressed in the same clothes week after week, dragging ourselves to work in order to spend the money on the weekend, or on a short vacation we can hardly afford and never feels long enough.

It appears that people may have unconsciously accepted that this is the way it is, because it simply is what everybody does. What more can you expect?

Sometimes, thinking or imagining that life can be more, might give us some sense of guilt. And that very question of what you want in life, may come up with a very predictable, and common answer.

We all crave experiences that excite us, novel things, surprises, experiences that make us feel more alive. Some people even take it to the extreme or sometimes participate in risky and dangerous activities. Some may be drawn to sports, arts, dancing, painting, poetry, literature, cooking, gardening, travelling, cave diving, or volunteering in a country far away from their home.

People call it passion. They are the things we enjoy without feeling obliged or pressured. On the contrary, they are the things that bring spice, sparks, and excitement to our monotonous lives, piled up with responsibilities in life.

First, the sensation of aliveness and being in the moment.

We want to escape the mundane, we look for moments away from the half-lived lives, and experiences to excite our senses. In those moments, the stimuli we get from the external surrounding, the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes are received by our senses, then get converted into electrical impulses that run to our brain, causing the release of chemicals, certain neurotransmitters and hormones in our brain and body.

Most of us really enjoy travelling, being in nature, indulging our eyes with breathtaking views of nature, sounds and smells of the ocean, and pine trees, the sounds of birds singing, of people's chatter in unfamiliar and exotic languages, the coolness of the sea water as we swim under the warmth of the sun, the vivid colours of different cultures and to the marvel of mouth-watering dishes from different cuisines. Some of us may enjoy surfing, diving in the ocean, rock climbing, paragliding and perhaps even some more extreme kinds of activities. We enjoy being completely absorbed in the experience. We like to be in awe. We love to feel more alive.

Second, the sensation of expressing ourselves freely, of being ourselves.

Living in society requires us to behave in a certain way, to follow the social scripts, to adapt so it is convenient to others. We feel the need to express ourselves. For example, art offers us a safe place to find solace in expressing our feelings, to pour out our ideas and emotions without limitation or rules. It is a channel for us to enjoy and even appreciate our uniqueness, without anxiety of being judged. It also provides us a channel for us to explore ourselves, our ideas, fantasies, talents and even our deeper psyche.

Third, the feeling of clear mindedness.

Most of the time our mind is constantly thinking, engaging in some kind of mental activities, reflecting on past or even possible future experiences. At times we are unconsciously torturing ourselves with negative thoughts, with anxiety, fear, doubts and worries. We suddenly get dragged away from the present by our own thought stream and become the victim of our own vicious/ damaging thoughts. At other times we constantly give our mind something to engage in, like playing games on our phones or just checking social media posts, we just cannot be still. Hence, anxiety kicks in, we feel the need to fill the gap with something.

Some people find the solution in meditation, and some in the totality of action, of body and mind, for instance in dancing. Performing a dance requires us to be empty of thoughts other than the music and beat, requires us to be really present, absent from our own insecurities, of being judged, of how good we dance, or even by pride, even a passing thought about the next couple movements can distract and disrupt the performance. It is a practice as well as a privilege of experiencing clear mindedness, our mind without clatter.

Those are perhaps some of the keys of what we are trying to find through all our attempts in activities that excite us.

In fact, we can enjoy our lives even more by practicing and applying those practices in our daily mundane lives. We can practice being present, being more authentic and being clear minded, while doing the dishes, watering the plants, driving, eating, negotiating with clients, and also while we are listening to our friends and loved ones.

Next time you're watering the garden, see the light reflecting off the water, touch the soil and feel the granules of sand between your fingertips, think of nothing else. When you are eating, try to eat slowly, feel the texture, the scent and flavour of the meal, and savour every bite. Feel how delicious, refreshing and nourishing different components of nature, brought together on to your plate. Then things we do become more enjoyable, more pleasurable and satisfying.

To summerize, here some key things that we should keep in mind:

Cultivate a Positive Mindset

One of the keys to enjoying life is to cultivate a positive mindset. When faced with challenges or setbacks, try to view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Maintain an optimistic outlook and focus on the good things in your life. By adopting a positive mindset, you will be better equipped to appreciate and enjoy the experiences that come your way.

Be Present in the Moment

In our fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in the past or worry about the future. However, true enjoyment of life comes from being fully present in the moment. Take the time to savor the little things, whether it's enjoying a delicious meal, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply taking a walk in nature. By being present and fully engaged in the present moment, you will enhance your overall experience and find more joy in life.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

To truly experience life to the fullest, it is important to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Take up a new hobby, travel to unfamiliar places, or challenge yourself to do something you've always wanted to do. By pushing yourself beyond your limits, you will not only gain new experiences but also discover hidden talents and passions.

Cultivate Meaningful Relationships

While material possessions can bring temporary happiness, true fulfillment comes from cultivating meaningful relationships. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Invest time and effort into building and nurturing these relationships. By sharing experiences and creating memories with loved ones, you will find greater joy and fulfillment in life.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool for enjoying life to the fullest. Take the time to appreciate the blessings in your life, no matter how small they may seem. Keep a gratitude journal or simply take a moment each day to reflect on the things you are thankful for. By practicing gratitude, you will develop a greater sense of contentment and find more joy in the experiences life has to offer.

In conclusion, enjoying life to the fullest is not about the material possessions we accumulate or the achievements we attain. It is about embracing the experiences that come our way and finding joy in the present moment. By cultivating a positive mindset, being present, stepping out of our comfort zones, cultivating meaningful relationships, and practicing gratitude, we can truly embrace life's experiences and enjoy life to the fullest.