How do I learn to live in the present moment? The way to live in the present moment is whenever you start to delve into the dark memories of the past or into the imagined future, stop right there and look around you. Even looking at a tree, a car or anything in the physical universe can help you to awaken, because these objects exist only in the present moment. You must make a habit of doing this, because one wholehearted attempt to be in the present moment can rescue you from a lifetime of heartache. The only time you can be affected by the past is by your thoughts about the past and these thoughts are in your imagination. You can stop the movie at anytime you wish. As Vernon Howard says, "the more you think think think, the more you will sink sink sink". Your salvation always lies in the present moment. It is your ultimate savior. Look at the present moment as your immunity from harmful and poisonous thoughts. It is your get out of jail free card.