Quiet entry into the present moment
I wanted to find a good way to start doing mindfulness techniques - getting into the present moment, ADA, call it what you will. I've always found the entry point full of confusion - what do I focus on first, what sense, etc? I've found quite a simple way I quite like:
I simple make it a general goal to reduce the amount of noise that is made because of me: by my body and its actions.
For example, before when I made a cup of tea I would walk across the room with big crashing footsteps, fling the cupboard open, grab a cup out and plonk it on the top, making lots of noise. Now I find if I just generally make an effort to keep generated noise down to a minimum it kind of "forces" me to carry out many of the behaviours you might associate with being in the present moment: Slowing down a bit, having a more relaxed approach, being more aware of my bodily movements etc. It brings me into the present moment in an instant.
I don't try to change the noises going on around me - like the TV or radio or appliances etc - I just concentrate on generally reducing noise caused by my own actions.