Life Unfolds Within the Present

“Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.” – Rose Kennedy

Most of us live our entire lives seeking to be anywhere other than where we are at this very moment, right now.?

We may frequently reminisce about the past, longing to repair what can never be undone, thinking if we get a “do-over”, we can somehow change the present.?Attempting to change what already IS right now, causes great suffering, as we dwell on wishing that we had done something differently in the past.

We cannot change the past.?

There is no magical time machine that can alter the past. It is important to realize that we were doing the best we knew how to do, given our level of consciousness at that time; even if what we did or what happened to us was dysfunctional or painful, and may not have turned out as we may have hoped. Those past events are now over. We are not destined to remain in a troubled past.?

I have caused myself a great deal of suffering, affecting the lives of those who have loved me through it, by dwelling on a past that I can never change, no matter how much I may have wished I could.?I cannot change my own past behaviors or had any control whatsoever over the past behaviors of people who have hurt me. By seeking to change what already IS, I missed out on so many present moments.?

Conversely, we may also direct our thoughts and energies toward a magical world of fantasy about an uncertain future that we would like to control, setting our sights on the notion of “I will be happy when…”

“I wish this day would end…”

“I can’t wait for my vacation so I can relax…”

“When I am married, I will be happy…”

“If I just had a different spouse, my life would be better…”

“If I did not work for this awful company, I would be happy…”

“My family is ruining my life; I would be much happier without them…”

“When I make $500,000 a year, I will be happy…”

We love to blame something and someone for our current misery and unhappiness, trying to make some sort of logic out of why we feel so lonely and empty inside. It is not the people or circumstances that have power to cause us to feel internal unhappiness. It is how we perceive our circumstances that creates happiness or suffering internally.?

By dwelling on and wishing for a different past or longing to control some mythical future, we miss out on the only place where our life is really happening… this present moment.?

It is within the present moment that we discover the true magic of living, loving, and enjoying the amazing gift of life. Every being possesses an innate, inner guidance system that allows us to navigate life with adaptability and a sense of direction about the best choice for us, at any given moment.?

When we direct our thoughts toward the illusory past or future, we can easily get off course and miss out on the lessons that life is trying to teach us, right now, in this moment that will never be repeated. Even if we do not enjoy our current life circumstances, if we accept what already is, we are better equipped to learn the lessons this moment brings to us, without suffering internally. ?

It is wishing to change what already is that causes suffering; far more than accepting our current situation, then making decisions on what to do next based on wisdom, not childish reactions that cause us to suffer even more.

While it is comforting to recall fond memories and to consider future possibilities, becoming locked in a past or future oriented thought pattern can keep sad memories alive or create anxiety about a variety of possible future scenarios. When this pattern of thinking comes to your awareness, recognize it for what it is. Thoughts have no power over you, unless you allow them to be expressed through actions.?

How can you return to the present?

When your mind drifts to the past or focuses on future fantasies, pause for a moment to take a few slow, deep breaths to become centered, while simultaneously observing your thoughts. You are NOT your thoughts. You are the spiritual entity that inhabits your body, with the ability to observe your physical form, thoughts, and behaviors at any moment.?

Try not to name the thoughts or become focused on their content.?

Continue to pause for a few moments and wait for a calm feeling to guide you in what to do next. By taking no immediate action, new thoughts will arise to take the place of your current thoughts, allowing you the necessary space to maneuver and enjoy this moment right now, by acting without reacting.?

This moment right now as you are reading this, is the only moment where your life is actually happening. The past is a memory that you can release. The future is uncertain and will unfold as it will.?While you can still make plans for the path you want your life to take, keep listening to the inner voice within to guide you. It will guide you toward a path that you may never have considered; one that may alter the trajectory of your life and happiness beyond your wildest imaginings.?

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Here is how I can support you, as you transform into the best version of yourself:?

• Get Chapter One of My Book : Reflections on Transcendence??is a mindfulness-based book of meditations and reflections,?featuring the artwork of renowned expressionist artist, the late Steve Lyons. Open the book to any random page for nuggets of wisdom and moving images to promote reflection and insights. Enjoy Chapter One for free .?Available for purchase on Book Depository &?Amazon .?
• Resources & Publications - Publications, resources, digital products and more to support your transformation.
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