Ever feel like you're on autopilot, watching your days blur by? You're not alone. So many of us drift through life, reacting to whatever comes our way instead of actively choosing our path. It’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind, but what if I told you there's a way to feel more present, more alive, and more in control of your own existence? It’s about living consciously.
I know the struggle of being stuck. Our founder, Stephen Montagne, often shares his own journey. He battled gaming addiction, binge eating, drinking, and a general sense of laziness. He felt trapped in unhealthy habits for years. But he found a way out, not by some magic trick, but by deciding to live more consciously. This shift helped him lose over 110 pounds (that's more than 50 kilograms!), build a life he loves, and find deep purpose. If he could do it, so can you.
What is Conscious Living Anyway?
Okay, "conscious living" might sound like a big, airy concept, but it's actually pretty simple. It means paying attention. It means making deliberate choices about how you spend your time, energy, and focus. Think of it as waking up from that autopilot mode.
Instead of just letting life happen to you, you start to participate in it. You become aware of your thoughts, your feelings, and your actions. You notice the small things. It’s not about achieving perfection or becoming some kind of guru. It’s about being more present in your own life, moment by moment. It’s about choosing your direction rather than just drifting.
Waking Up from Autopilot
It's so easy to fall into ruts isn't it? One day blends into the next. Before you know it, you're mindlessly scrolling through your phone for hours, or reaching for that extra snack you don't really need. Stephen talks about how his days used to be consumed by gaming and unhealthy eating. He was on autopilot, seeking comfort in habits that ultimately left him feeling worse.
The first step to breaking free is simply recognizing that you're on autopilot. It might be a fleeting thought like, "Is this all there is?" or "I don't feel like myself." That little flicker of awareness is powerful. It’s your cue that something needs to change. For Stephen, there wasn't one giant lightning bolt. It was a series of small awakenings, realizing that his current path wasn't leading him where he truly wanted to go.
Tuning In: Your Inner Compass
Once you start to wake up, the next step is to tune in. What truly matters to you? What makes you feel genuinely happy, energized, and fulfilled? Conversely, what drains you or makes you feel empty?
These aren't always easy questions, but taking time for self-reflection is key. You don't need a complicated plan. Just ask yourself:
- When do I feel most like myself?
- What activities make me lose track of time in a good way?
- What values are most important to me? Honesty? Kindness? Growth? Connection?
For Stephen, strengthening his Christian Orthodox faith was a huge part of this. It provided him with an anchor and a sense of purpose that guided his choices. Your "inner compass" might be your faith, your values, your passions, or a deep sense of what feels right for you. The goal is to start aligning your daily actions with this internal guidance.
Small Shifts Big Impact: Practical Steps
Living consciously doesn't mean overhauling your entire life overnight. That's overwhelming and usually doesn't stick. It’s about making small, consistent shifts. Stephen’s journey of losing weight and building new habits wasn’t about extreme measures. It was about small, sustainable changes that added up over time. Here are a few ideas:
- Mindful Moments: You don’t need to meditate for an hour (unless you want to!). Try just a few minutes of focused attention. Notice the taste of your morning coffee. Really listen when someone is talking to you. Feel your feet on the ground as you walk. Stephen found that prayer became a powerful, mindful practice for him, connecting him to something greater and grounding him in the present.
- Conscious Consumption: This isn't just about food, though that's a big one. Stephen's weight loss journey involved becoming very conscious about what he ate. But also think about what you consume mentally: the news, social media, the conversations you engage in. Ask yourself: "Does this nourish me? Does it uplift me or drag me down?"
- Intentional Action: Before you automatically react or dive into a task, take a breath. Ask yourself: "Is this the best use of my energy right now? Is this aligned with my goals?" Stephen built a highly productive routine by focusing on short bursts of deep work—just 2 to 4 hours a day. This was an intentional choice to work smarter, not just longer. Even setting one small, achievable intention for your day can make a huge difference.
- Daily Gratitude: This is a game-changer. Stephen makes daily gratitude a priority. It shifts your focus from what’s wrong or what you lack to appreciating what you have. It can be as simple as thinking of three things you’re grateful for before you get out of bed or before you go to sleep. It rewires your brain to see the good.
Embracing Imperfection on the Journey
Listen, this path to conscious living isn't about perfection. You will have days when you slip back into old patterns. You'll eat the junk food, waste time scrolling, or react impulsively. It happens to everyone. Stephen will be the first to tell you his journey had plenty of setbacks.
The key is not to beat yourself up. Conscious living includes being conscious of your "slips" without judgment. Notice it, acknowledge it, and gently guide yourself back. It's like learning to ride a bike. You fall, you get back on. Each time, you learn something. Stephen celebrated small wins along his path—every pound lost, every healthy meal chosen, every productive work session. This built momentum and kept him going. Be kind to yourself. This is a practice, a lifelong journey of learning and growing.
Finding Your Anchor
In the midst of life's storms, what keeps you grounded? What helps you return to a state of awareness and calm? For Stephen, his Christian Orthodox faith and his relationship with God became his unwavering anchor. It gave him strength, guidance, and a profound sense of purpose, especially when overcoming challenges like addiction and building a new life.
Your anchor might be different. It could be spending time in nature, your creative pursuits, your connection with loved ones, your core principles, or a regular mindfulness practice. Whatever it is, identify it and nurture it. This anchor will be your go-to when you feel overwhelmed or find yourself drifting off course. It helps you reconnect with your conscious self.
Living consciously is ultimately about showing up for your own life. It’s about choosing to be an active participant rather than a passive observer. It takes effort, yes, but the rewards—a life lived with more intention, joy, and meaning—are immeasurable.
So, what’s one small thing you can do today to live a little more consciously? Just one tiny step. Maybe it's putting your phone away during dinner, taking five deep breaths before reacting to an email, or simply noticing the color of the sky. Start there. You’ve got this.
