Most people live somewhere other than the present. Elderly people commonly live in the past focusing their attention on what they remember. Young people tend to live in the future, thinking: “I can hardly wait until . . .” The result is most people are rarely fully present. Being disconnected from the present robs us of the joy and peace available in this moment. Author Eckhart Tolle is the individual who brought the idea of presence to my awareness. Until my exposure to his message in 'The Power of Now' I was
often somewhere else. Usually I was months, even years ahead of myself. In addition I regularly told myself negative stories about my future. Now that I am aware of the effect of negative imagining, I understand why I was in pain most of the time. I came to realize the present moment is always manageable. I am always able to manage whatever shows up in this moment. What are not manageable are my negative thoughts and imaginings about the future, about what might happen, and my remembering of the past. The now is all I have. When I live in the present I experience an inner peace. Both my mind and my body become quiet. There is stillness within. I am safe in this moment. When I’m present fear does not exist. Nor does anger,
resentment, grief, guilt, or worry. Life is simple. I simply notice and then choose. (You can purchase Ted's book below. The proceeds of all Ted's books are donated to VCC.)
|