There Is No Other Moment But This One: Nothing Else Exists

“Forever is composed of nows.”

— Emily Dickinson

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Life can be overwhelming.?

Between juggling work, family, and personal well-being, it can feel like there's too much to do and not enough time.?

But –?and I’m deliberately provoking you here –?what if I told you that the only time that truly exists is this very moment that you’re reading this – right here, right now? Not the argument you had this morning, nor the big meeting next week. Just now.

I get it might sound like a philosophical abstraction, but this “power of now” idea has roots in both ancient wisdom and modern psychology. The present moment is all we have. The past is merely a memory, and the future is a possibility that hasn't happened yet.?This IS life.?

Truly, life unfolds in the "now” – and learning to live in this moment is the key to a more joyful, balanced, effective life.

Hang in there. Let’s explore why there really is no other moment but the present and how embracing this idea can reduce stress, improve focus, and bring a deep sense of peace and satisfaction.

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The Illusion of Time

The concept of time is something we've all learned to take for granted, as a natural truth. Clocks tick, calendars flip, and we go about our lives in a constant rush, striving for the next thing.

But here's the catch: time, as we know it, doesn’t really exist. What we call "time" is a construct of the mind, created by memory and anticipation. The past is nothing but a collection of memories, and the future is simply a collection of thoughts about what?might?happen. Have a look at your own mind. Neither of the?past or future exists in the same way that this very moment does.

Philosophers and spiritual teachers have pointed out for centuries that the only moment is the present one. As the Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said, “The present moment is the only moment available to us, and it is the door to all moments.”

Think about it. How often do you find yourself replaying an old conversation or worrying about an upcoming deadline? We spend so much mental energy on the past and future, while the richness of life is happening right now. It’s a little like staring at a photo of a sunset while standing in front of the real thing, completely missing the beauty in front of you.

The fact is this moment is the only moment you can sense and engage with. You can show me what’s happening now – you cannot do that with the past or future, ever. You can’t show me time, ever. Just because clocks tick doesn’t mean time is moving. You see?

Why the Present Moment Is All We Have

If you really start paying attention, you'll notice that life only ever happens in the present. This moment?–?right now –?is the only thing that’s truly real. Everything else is the result of thinking –?either a memory or a possibility.

It's no wonder spiritual teachers like Eckhart Tolle and Alan Watts have made this idea central to their teachings. In fact, Watts said:?“This is the real secret of life – to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realise it is play.”

When you truly live in the present moment, life transforms. Rather than getting caught up in the endless cycle of doing, achieving, and worrying, you begin to experience each moment more fully. You taste your food, feel the warmth of the sun, and engage more deeply with the people you love.

I get that for those of us who lead busy lives, this can sound impractical.?Who has time to sit around contemplating the now when there are emails to send and children to pick up from school??

But living in the moment doesn't mean ignoring these responsibilities. It simply means giving your full attention to what you're doing right now — whether that's writing a report, walking the dog, or talking to your partner – rather than being consumed by thinking and worrying or fighting when things don't go to plan.

The message really is: If you’re going to do something, really do it. Bring your heart, mind, body and soul to this one thing. Don’t split yourself in an attempt to do more; you end up doing less, as well as enjoying it less too.

Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

Modern psychology backs up this ancient wisdom with a twist. High-performance experts often talk about the importance of focusing on the?process, not the?outcome. In other words, instead of fixating on the result you're trying to achieve, focus on the action you're taking in the moment.

This shift in focus can be incredibly liberating. When you obsess over outcomes — whether it's getting a promotion, losing weight, or hitting a personal goal — you so often set yourself up for stress and disappointment. You put pressure on yourself to succeed and judge yourself when things don't go as planned. Right?

But when you focus on the process — on the steps you’re taking right now — you stay grounded in the present moment. You reduce anxiety because you stop worrying about the end result, and you’ll perform better because you’re fully engaged in what you’re doing.

For example, if you're working on a big project, rather than stressing about whether it will be a success, focus on the task at hand. What can you do right now? What’s the next small step? You’ll find you’re not only more productive but also way less anxious.

Practical Ways to Live in the Now

So how can you start living in the present moment? Here are a few simple, practical tips to help you embrace the now:

1. Mindfulness Practices: Begin with something small, like taking a few minutes each morning for Ascension, mindfulness, or meditation. This will help anchor your mind in the present before your busy day begins.

2. Single-Tasking: We often pride ourselves on being able to multitask, but this actually scatters our attention. Try single-tasking instead. Whether you're working, cooking, or talking with a friend, focus entirely on that one thing. You’ll notice a difference in how much more engaged and calm you feel.

3. Slow down:?Take your time! Hasty action isn’t present action. You’re rushing to the next thing, not being fully present to what is. You can still move with speed, but don’t lose your sense of now as you do it.

4. Nature Breaks: Nature has a wonderful way of pulling us into the present. Take regular breaks to walk outside, enjoy a park, or simply sit in your garden. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you.

5. Be Present with Family/Friends: Next time you're with your family or buddies, practise being fully present. Put away the phone, turn off the TV, and really listen to what your loved ones are saying. You'll strengthen your relationships and enjoy the time together more deeply.

6. Let Go of Perfection: Many of us get caught up in trying to do everything perfectly. But perfection is an illusion, and striving for it takes us out of the present moment. Focus instead on doing your best, and remember that being fully engaged in the process is more important than achieving a flawless result.

Living in the Present Reduces Stress, Increases Focus, and Boosts Joy

Constantly worrying about the future or replaying past events is exhausting. It’s the cause of all our problems. But this habit is strong in our cultural thinking: It's no wonder so many of us feel stressed and overwhelmed. By learning to live more in the present moment, you can reduce this mental clutter and give yourself a break.

Living in the now allows you to find peace in the middle of your busy life. It doesn't mean abandoning your goals or responsibilities. Instead, it means approaching them from a place of calm, focusing on what can be done in this moment.

This is effective; anything else is less than optimal.

As you practice living in the present, you'll also notice a growing sense of ease and contentment. The more you engage with life as it is happening, the more joy you’ll find in everyday moments. Simple appreciation for life itself. And you’ll enjoy the journey, not just when you get “there”, wherever that might be.

Nothing Else But Now

There really is no other moment but the present. When you truly embrace this, life becomes richer and more peaceful. It’s not about escaping your responsibilities; it’s about showing up fully for them, one moment at a time.

So next time you find yourself overwhelmed by your to-do list or lost in thoughts about the past or future, take a deep breath. Bring your attention back to what you’re doing right now. Bring your attention back to where your feet are. Now is the only moment that truly exists — the only one that matters; the only one that satisfies.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

I’m running a course that will give you all the tools you need to get out of your past and future fixed head, and be more present.

The result is mental and emotional clarity, deep rest and recovery, ease and happiness, with more mindful awareness and deep spiritual alignment.

Super simple yet powerfully transformative.

It’s called the Ishayas’ Ascension and it’s the thing that I personally practice for all the above.

We run 25-27 October (7pm start), and it’d be great to have you if you’d like to come.

If you want more details, just let me know and I’ll get those through to you.

Remember too – it’s free to repeat forever. A reminder could be just the thing for you right now.

Talk soon!?