“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” -Buddha
It is easy to get lost in our thoughts. When we are doing mundane tasks, driving in our cars, sitting in meetings, or suffering through a boring lecture, it is very easy to think about the past or imagine future scenarios. Unfortunately, mental wanderings happen at the expense of the moment. Once we start down that path, we begin to miss the life that is happening around us. We have conversations with people and don’t remember anything that was said. We miss our children growing up because we spend too much time in our own heads. Staying present and focused can help alleviate a great deal of the stress. Being “in the moment” can help because:
- Dwelling on negative experiences that happened in your past continue to hurt you as if you are still experiencing them. Those events are over and you cannot change them. Put them in a box, tape the box shut, and forget about
them. Focus on actions you can do today to move forward in a positive direction.
Imagining disasters in your future such as, losing your money, your home, a loved one, or your job serves no purpose. Enjoy the things you have in your life at this very moment. Nothing lasts forever, and you cannot change that. It is perfectly fine to plan for the future, but always live for today. Focusing on the present will actually help you do everything better, so these fears become unfounded as a result.
Distracting thoughts make it hard for people to connect. How many times have you spoken with someone who wasn’t truly there? How many times have you mentally checked out of a conversation? It is awkward and both people miss out on an opportunity. A connection doesn’t develop, and the interaction is quickly forgotten. Give other people your full attention, and if they don’t reciprocate, don’t waste your time with a lengthy conversation.
Focusing on the present creates awareness, heightens senses, improves performance and enhances relationships.
Being present is a valuable practice for anyone who wants to experience a real life. Be conscious of your thoughts throughout the day and continually try to pull yourself back into the moment.
'Havasupai' at
amazon.com
Loss teaches value more than gain,
but no one wants to know your pain,
you hold it in with words refrain,
and then alone you break from strain,
you stumble across an empty plain
while people judge you with distain,
for they never knew you or your pain.
