Friday, March 13, 2015

Living In The Present Moment

By Kristin Lloyd Moussa

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”  - Buddha


 “If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.” – Lao Tzu

One of the hottest topics in the psychology and self-help industry is living in the present, living in the moment, and being in the now. However, as clearly noted in the above quotes this is not a new philosophy or way of thinking. In fact, it was established in Eastern philosophy but has grown in our culture as a result of our cultural preoccupation with the past and the future.
Many people in the world are so focused on the past and the future that they lose sight of the present, which has also been deemed a gift.
All of what occurs in our lives happens in the present. Decisions, thoughts, plans, and actions always take place in the present. Although regret happens in the future (when you regret the past) and dreams happen in the past (when you dream of your future), but every action that takes place is always conducted in the present.
Think about it – when you make the decision to get married or get divorced that is a present moment function. Whether it happens or not takes place in the future, but that thought and that decision always happens at one point in time –which is the present.
When you go out for a run in the morning, or engage in a yoga class, those actions are conducted in a present state of being.
Being in the present is about becoming alive in that moment and becoming mindful of that moment. When you are mindful and fully engaged or fully “present” and engaged in each present moment, there is another level of presence that goes beyond attendance. This heightened awareness allows you to enjoy each moment and engage fully.
There are so many people who are engaged with smart phones and televisions and wishing for either their past or their future because they are not engaged in their present. If engaged in the present, they must be forced to be mindful of their circumstances whatever that may be.
Becoming aware and being present is not a new state of being or some new age philosophy. It is about enjoying your life, or making the necessary changes in order to enjoy your life. It is more about engagement in your own life in avoiding the distractions.
It’s great to wish for something more and to dream for the future, but if you find yourself living in either the past or the future, then you are missing your greatest gift which is that present moment. Then it would be time to take action and experience your present state of being so that you can take action in order to change it.
Not everyone is able to realize that they are missing out on life, and many avoid the present in lieu of the past or the future. Don’t get caught in the cycle of living in the past or the future and instead take control of your future by living in the present. As all the choices and decisions are made in the present, your future is counting on you now to be present so that you are able to make a better tomorrow by being present today.







                                                                                                                    

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