The only times I've felt like my mind has been occupied by the present moment have been while involved in highly sensory activities that entertain the chance of injury or death. For example, crossing a rushing river in a tropical downpour by hopping from one slick, moss-covered crag to the next. It's an extremely uncomfortable state of being to think about, but if I force myself to do it, it almost feels like an epiphany of sorts while it's happening.
So... forcing myself to DO rather than to THINK seems to work well.
To live truly in the present in a way that is effective in my everyday life seems impossible, but I recognize that it is essential to create some balance by not getting too sucked into my thoughts, fears, and the future. Luckily, I have a zen master SO to help keep me grounded.
Also, like Noosabar said, look into Eckhart Tolle. At first his writings really drove me nuts because they seemed to be washed up new age spiritualism, but there is a beauty to his style that grabs onto me as much as I try to resist...
Read
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki.
i think one of the ways for me to be able to live in the present is by travelling. long journeys by foot. the problem is that it's no good in daily life. i can't get stuff done because i start thinking about how it plans out, and then when i go back to work it's uninteresting. i just want to flow. movement between structures is the only way for me to experience reality with interest.
