Tuesday, September 29, 2009
This Present Life
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In the present moment, I cannot know the future, and I cannot do anything about the past. In the present is where I live and act at this point, and I can only be who I am right now. There is no regret for what I wish I had done, and no anxiety or desire about what I want to do in the future. There is only who I am and what I am doing right now.
Competition and comparison are taken away, because I am not looking back to see how I measure up with others achievements, and I am not planning for my success in the future. I can't flip through the catalog in my mind that keeps track of all my past accomplishments and failures. And my "to do" list for the future is nowhere to be found either. Instead, I am simply experiencing the fullness of the present moment.
When I rest in the present, the immediate emotion is gratitude. Disappointment, frustration, fear, embarrassment, and pride don't exist when I focus on the present. Rather, there is a singular enjoyment and a corresponding sense of being deeply thankful for that present moment.
Perhaps there is some hint of eternity in the present moment. No regrets about the "past," and no concern or anxiety about the "future" because it will never end.
There is only life in the present.
In the present moment, I cannot know the future, and I cannot do anything about the past. In the present is where I live and act at this point, and I can only be who I am right now. There is no regret for what I wish I had done, and no anxiety or desire about what I want to do in the future. There is only who I am and what I am doing right now.
Competition and comparison are taken away, because I am not looking back to see how I measure up with others achievements, and I am not planning for my success in the future. I can't flip through the catalog in my mind that keeps track of all my past accomplishments and failures. And my "to do" list for the future is nowhere to be found either. Instead, I am simply experiencing the fullness of the present moment.
When I rest in the present, the immediate emotion is gratitude. Disappointment, frustration, fear, embarrassment, and pride don't exist when I focus on the present. Rather, there is a singular enjoyment and a corresponding sense of being deeply thankful for that present moment.
Perhaps there is some hint of eternity in the present moment. No regrets about the "past," and no concern or anxiety about the "future" because it will never end.
There is only life in the present.
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2 comments:
Cool idea, but very difficult to actually do. How do you practically cast aside a looming future or haunting past?
yeah it's a good point. it's clearly a discipline - and a tough one! I think contemplative practices can help with this. Silence, centering, listening, etc. Most contemplative practices are aimed at being fully present in the moment, and not anxious about what is not in our control. The more we spend time in those specific practices, the easier it becomes to direct our minds and attitudes during the busyness of every day.
Perhaps that often-quoted phrase of Paul's, "take every thought captive" has some relevance here as well. Its a discipline that we just have to remind ourselves with each thought.
You are right though in pointing out it's "easier said than done"
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