IN THE HERE AND NOW
“Make a smile your calling card and a helping hand your stock in trade." - JTR
To talk of living in the here and now is easy, to do so is quite a different matter. The reality is that being in the moment, every moment of every day, takes work to begin with and effort which many are not prepared to apply. But for those who believe that living in the now is the more desirable state then, like all good things in life, it is achievable and gets easier the more it is practiced.
So, where to begin?
First off understand that living the moment does not mean discarding your past, that is your experience, nor canceling your dreams of the future. It does however require conscious appreciation that the breath you inhale now, the step you make and your current thought are your only realities. In that context, past and future exist only in the periphery of your mind. Your physical centre is in the here and now.
You can employ a simple exercise to help focus your attention on absorbing and enjoying the present moment. It goes like this -
Take a blank sheet of paper.
Write across the top in small print the last thing that you did yesterday.
Write across the bottom in small print the first thing you intend to do tomorrow.
Now, in bold print across the centre, write the word - “NOW”.
Stare at and concentrate on the word.
Close your eyes and focus solely on appreciating the calm of the moment.
Repeat inwardly to yourself the words - “I am now.”
That’s it. One minute or sixty repetitions of the phrase, once per day is good, more frequently is better. Soon you will find that thinking and being in the here and now becomes more and more natural. It will grow to be your default mode, your road to joyful living. It will serve you well.
The tranquility you will experience in all aspects of your life is the core of its power. Silence belongs to it. When disturbed by the chatter and clatter of modern life, much of its meaning is lost. This is not to say that the presence of others in your here and now is undesirable. The right sort of companion, one whose identity is similarly merged in the moment, does not detract from but enhances the experience. Interactions and conversations which arise are thus part of a common life given that such activity is not just for the sake of noise. Nor need the talk be all about being in the moment. All sorts of themes may be indulged. Yet all are approached from the perspective of the destination being in the here and now, that to listen is better than to speak and that there is no intention beyond simply sharing the moment with a kindred spirit.
So, journey back to where you were sparingly and do not over-indulge your dreams. Rather, appreciate your time at ‘Here And Now’. It is not only the best place to be, it is the only place you ever can be!
I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.
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Comments
Now is the most important time in everyones life. How each person chooses to spend it is up to them.
Being truly grateful for every moment is itself a rewarding way to life and one which I know that you too fully embrace Dennis.
When you feel you are living on borrowed time it is easier to realize every moment is a true gift and be grateful for each. I live, work hard, play hard, and die young. Wow, I must be young because I am still here.