The Eternal Now
“Forever is composed of nows.� � Emily Dickinson
We, humans, are unpredictable. We have our own ways to orient ourselves in time. Some of us are letting our past lives cling to us while others are busy thinking what their future may bring. But, that’s not how we all should be.
Life is lived in the moments. This is the best thing that I have learned in my life. Looking back in the past and forward to the future will only create worries and regrets in life. This is the reason why world’s prestigious philosophies and religions such as Buddhism promote LIVING THE LIFE IN ETERNAL NOW. It is the best way to live the life and feel joyous about every moment we breathe in.
“Living in the moment� belief comes from great wisdom and the people who live by this belief are regarded as the enlightened ones.
The Secret of Living in “Present Moment�
Before learning the secret of living in the present, you’ll have to accept the fact that though you are in your present your mind is still stuck in the thoughts of past and future. Living in the moment is not about your actions, it’s about the thoughts behind them. It’s about the content that comes along with the action � the worries about outcomes, the expectations, the regrets and many such things.
So, whenever you find yourself in the regrets, worries, and restless thoughts, just breathe and open your mind to let go of your thoughts.
Returning to the present
Since you have realized that you are not your thoughts, it’s time to return to your present.
Ask yourself these two questions:
How often you think about what you are going to do in future instead of focusing on what you are doing now?
How often you think about the past and wondered I should have done this or I shouldn’t have done that instead of realizing that you cannot change it?
If your answer is “A lot�, then you are simply denying the divine pleasure of living in the moment.
Just remember this:
“Your happiness doesn’t reside in your past or future. It completely depends on the moment you’re in right now � not in the previous or upcoming moment. It’s all here. Redirect your awareness to the present moment and live it to the fullest.�
Staying in the present moment
What I have seen is that people find it very difficult to not think about their past or future. When they are asked about it, they say it’s not in their hands. Their mind automatically takes them to somewhere they don’t belong.
Then, how are you supposed to stay in the present? The answer is: Control your mind.
Meditate
Meditation is the quintessential tool that can help you to control your mind and stay in The Now. Meditation is a divine practice that connects you with YOU in the present moment. It takes you to the blissful state of being in the now and not worrying about what has happened in the past or what is going to happen in the future. It takes you to where you belong.
This three-step “Here and Now� Meditation will help you to stay in the present moment:
Remind yourself that you belong here and now.
Be aware of the things happening around you in the current moment.
Start doing everything with mindfulness and awareness without thinking about the past and future.
Life unfolds itself in the present moment. It’s right where you are now. It neither belongs in past nor in the future. It’s here. So, live it here. Embrace the Divine pleasure of living in the moment!
