In the Moment

Many of us have a tendency to focus on the past or the future, forgetting that the true essence of life exists in the present moment. We can get so caught up in the trials and tribulations of day-to-day life that we forget to enjoy each moment for what it is.

I don’t know about you, but I would often find myself consumed by events that had already happened, replaying them in my mind and wishing they had played out differently. “I can’t believe I said this or did that.” “I can’t believe he/she said this or did that.” The reality is that we can’t change the past, no matter how much we dwell on it. It is what it is.  There is absolutely no point focusing our attention on what could have been, especially when it takes us away from the magic of the present.

If we’re not focusing on the past many of us consume our time being concerned about the future and what it might bring.  “What if he breaks up with me.” “What if I go broke.” “What if I lose my job.” What if, what if, what if.  We worry needlessly about events that may never actually occur.  Ironically, the more we focus on what might happen, the more likely it will occur.

We can get so consumed by thoughts of the past or future that we don’t even realize the beauty and magnificence of the now.  In this very moment we have the potential to create what ever we want; to be whoever we want to be; to appreciate all that life has to offer us. This is the premise behind Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. Tolle suggests that living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. He believes it’s the influence of ego that pushes our focus onto the past or future and that the key to becoming free of the egoic mind is to become deeply conscious of the present moment.

If we look around us there are many things to appreciate in the here and now, even in the face of adversity.  Even when the present moment may be far from ideal, if we surrender to it without concerning ourselves about where it may take us and simply experience each moment for what it is, we can let go of unnecessary pain and worry and free ourselves to live more fully.

Are you worrying about the future or dwelling on the past?  How can you bring your attention back to the present moment? What do you have to appreciate in the here and now?

This blog post was written by Gabrielle Aitken, Inner Beauty Stylist and inspirer of Appreciation, Respect and Love (a.k.a. Aprelo).

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