The Eternal now

Here is a quote by William Phelps:  "We look backward too much and we look forward too much; thus we miss the only eternity of which we can be absolutely sure- the eternal present, for it is always now."  

Living in the "now" is one of the hardest personal challenges I face.  My active "monkey mind" is constantly reliving details from my past or taking action to deal with the uncertainties that I could possibly encounter in the future. It is during my tai chi and qigong practice that I consciously take the time to live in the now.  This is a time for checking in with my body and mind.  Is my body tense from holding stress?  Is my mind creating scenarios that are alarming or calm?  Am I breathing slowly or rapidly?  Am I aware of what is around me or am I in my head thinking of the list of things to do? 

If I can bring my mind to the present moment I can experience more peace and joy.  I can truly enjoy life and keep my energy vital. My busy thoughts and activities have less of a chance to deplete my energy.  My tai chi and qigong is an ongoing practice in mindfulness.  How do you practice being mindful and living in the present moment?