We are all told to live in the now, to live in the moment. This is very difficult to do. We are surrounded by images that constantly tell us to anticipate the future — buy that new phone, purchase this bigger house, create more attractive relationships, etc., the list goes on and on. It is hard to imagine how I can remain stationary long enough to actually grasp the here and now, the moment. But, there is nothing but this time in life, is there? All of our mental activity is actually focused on the moment, and even more strangely, that moment is soon swept away to be replaced by another moment. The only way one is able to appreciate this concept is to consciously begin to document time. That is where Emerson’s (1) suggestion of the notebook is truly clever.
If I develop the habit of noting each and every day, no matter how trivial or unimportant the circumstance, I will begin to give value to time — my time. Then, I will “loom large” (2) as the expression goes. What is a greatdeal of fun is pulling memories from the past. These are strong recollections of hopeful and positive events. The negative recollections of the pain and the failures in life are also important, but they must be placed in the context of lessons and not of regrets. What is a regret? It is a painful incident that you bring from the past into the present — pointless in my estimation. The current state of affairs is shocking enough without adding additional angst. This view of the world is not overly positive nor naive; it is simply the truth.
If you approach the moment as a wonderful gift in time and 100% of my own creation — given my givens (3) — then you are attuned to hear the laughter of children, sense the fragrance of flowers, and enjoy the sound of birds twittering in the trees. Many of us fail to realize that my consciousness is very much of my own creation; I only live inside myself. The naysayers would disagree and say I am mostly influenced by my circumstances — the external world. But this is fundamentally incorrect on a perceptive level. When I wake up in the morning, I can decide whether it will be a good day or a bad day. And sometimes, of course, I decide the latter, and I suffer through it. So, ultimately, if we want to go forward in life, it is extremely important that we focus on the now and yet “cock our eyes” towards the future. This will teach me to live in the now and yet be conscious enough of what will occur in my life and enjoy the journey to the very end.
The great mystic and philosopher, Eckhart Tolle (4), leaves us with a thought: All negativity is caused by an accumulation of psychological time and denial of the present. Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry – all forms of fear – are caused by too much future, and not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of nonforgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence.
A closing thought: One does not have to be a great philosopher to realize that I must be responsible for my life — in partnership with God, Gaia, or the Universe. There is no other choice. The alternative will leave the individual frail and exposed to the incomprehensible, ephemeral nature of life.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about living and experiencing the present moment.
To be noted: Ralph Waldo Emerson — Write it in your heart that every day is the best day of the year.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfusCJykqlA&list=RDGfusCJyk
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyPwxJdkTuY&t=44s
This week, on your joyful walk, please ponder the present.
Every day, look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: Live today and reflect on tomorrow.
Footnotes:
1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b04zs6QHuWM&t=191s
2) https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loom%20large