The Beautiful Present
The past, the future and the present are all things that percolate in my mind. We can’t stop ourselves from thinking about them. In fact, this month, I have spoken quite a bit about my cancer experience. And today, I’m a little fixated on Suddenly Seven’s Halloween costume for tomorrow. What I’m realizing – as I type this – is that in thinking about both the past and the future, I am missing the present. However, with practice and intent, I believe that we all can focus on the present more than we already do.
The truth of the matter is that we can’t control the future. DUH. Stating the obvious, I know. The only way that we can improve the prospects for the future is by focusing on what we do now, in the present.
The other thing is that if we spend our time thinking about the past or the future, we are missing life itself. Life zooms right past us while we are thinking about the past or the future. What I know for sure is that I get the most out of life when I focus on being present, while things are actually happening!
I believe that the magical method for learning to be present is practice. Practice. Practice. Practice. I do my best not to beat myself up when my mind wanders (which it does quite a lot!). However, I try to gently (gently being the operative word here!) reel myself back in. It’s a work in progress, always.
Wishing you all a beautiful, well-lived day, with high hopes that you will focus on being present and finding Silver Linings.
So wise, so perfect. I read a book in college by Ram Dass called Be Here Now which I loved back then. It's only in the last few years, post BC that I think I really get what he was saying. It's so very hard for me to live into the moment fully, but it is the only way I can make my life worthwhile post BC. I love to read your journey, it's not just about life BC, it's about life.
Thanks so much, Claudia. I couldn't agree more that it is indeed about life! …and LIVING it! 😉
"The only way that we can improve the prospects for the future is by focusing on what we do now, in the present." I am writing this on my inspiration chalkboard. Morning prayer, cafe con leche and reading your blog, a most excellent way to start my day!
Oh that's so wonderful, E.B.! …and thank you so much, as always!
Oh yes, staying present is so much easier said than done and takes years of practise. May I suggest The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo. Mark had cancer and it shook him awake.
It's a day book of one page daily awakenings. He says, the page is meant to give us a moment to slow down, think about what really matters, and help us live the life we want by being present to the life we have.
He also says, this book is meant to be a soul friend. To write this I've had to live it. The journey of unearthing and shaping these entries has helped me bring my inner and outer life more closely together. It has helped me know and use my heart. It has made me more whole. I hope it can be such a tool for you.
He gave it to Oprah Winfrey for her birthday! She says, it's a year's supply of inspiration every day and the perfect gift for yourself and your friends.
I highly recommend it!
Kim
I LOVE this book, Kim! I think that I will blog about it. Thanks for the great inspiration!
Good Morning:
This is an area of my life I am working on, and it is a work in progress. I do see progress so I know it is doable.
Watching my young 20 month old grandson has been a real eye opener. It definitely is a practice we have to go back to because somewhere it is lost. We can learn a great deal from those little precious children
We can indeed learn so much from our children. I'm so happy that you are, Cindy. Thank you for your comment! Best wishes. Hollye
I think of all the yesterday's be they good , bad or indifferent as treasured memories that give you the wisdom and love to live in the present and be blessed with many tomorrows . You are such a dear beloved special lady Hollye I'm so happy I found your blog which I look forward to reading . Have a fun filled Halloween with Suddenly Seven and enjoy every special moment with her as time flys by so fast she will be sadly Suddenly 20 before you know it .
Hearts love,
Joanie
Thank you so much, dear Joanie! I am so very appreciative!