Just for today or living in the moment are the foundation of inner peace. It is how each of the Reiki precepts starts. Living in the moment does not mean putting your head in the sand or ignoring the past or future. It is the realization that the past or future does not exist; they are our memories or imaginations. "When thinking about life, remember this: No amount of guilt can solve the past, and no amount of anxiety can change the future" Buddha.
Our past is the road that guides us to where we are now. But we can change directions at any time. Dwelling on negative images or emotions from the past could become a vicious cycle and self-fulfilling prophecies. Past is a lesson. "The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence; the past is a place of learning, not a place of living." Roy T. Bennett.
We are learning to be in the moment, and paying attention to the incredible world around us frees us from worries about our future. We are molding our future. When we think about the future, we worry most of the time. Worries are one of the brain's primary functions to help us survive. By creating the worst scenarios, our brain prepares us and tries to find the best solution to events that may never occur.
Living in the moment gives us freedom from the past and the future. It allows us to experience the world and appreciate life and our surroundings fully. "If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present." Lao Tzu.
How can we start living in the present? We begin with the realization that this moment we will never experience again. Living in the present is about fully experiencing the world around us. Experience without injecting thoughts into it or judgment. It means to use all our senses. For example, what information do our feet give us when we walk? How does the surface feel? What do we see? Are we seeing a reflection of the sun in the windows or a beam of light through the trees' canopy? Is our path dry or wet? What sound do we hear is traffic, music, people conversations, or birds? What do we smell? Do we feel a breeze? How does it feel? How did it change in the next moment?
The benefit of living in the present is to experience life to the fullest, without stress. I understand that we all have busy lives and commitments during the day. But we can always take a few minutes breaks to observe and be in the moment. We can do this during any meal. We must put away any distractions (cell phones, books, etc.) and pay attention to our food. How does it look (color, shape, size, texture, etc.)? How does it smell? How does it taste when we bite, chew, and swallow? Any undertone?
We can practice this in any place at any moment. Only one thing is required: stop, then breathe and observe. Life becomes more meaningful when you realize you'll never get the exact moment twice. Living in the present, or living in the moment, is not just a famous phrase; it is an evidence-backed lifestyle recommended for people who struggle with anxiety and stress in their day-to-day life.
Let me summarize some of the benefits. It slows down our 'monkey brain' when we learn to pay attention and appreciate our surroundings.
1. Better communication skills
We are more relaxed when we live in the present. We create mind-heart coherence, making it easier to maintain an open mind to listen without jumping to conclusions. We are less distracted or influenced by our thoughts, feelings, or biases. It helps remove labels we sometimes put on people and improve conflict resolution.
2. Decrease stress
When we practice being in the present, it is like practicing mindfulness meditation. We calm our minds. For this moment, we are living in the present instead of the past or future scenarios that make us feel stressed. We can make better decisions without the paralyzing effects of past experiences or future scenarios.
3. Strengthen Your Relationship
We observe the world with more clarity and appreciation. We do not ignore or deny thoughts of the past or future. We choose not to dwell on them. We develop gratefulness for our current situation, friends, and loved ones.
Conclusion
It is easier to be happy when we live in the present. We learn to appreciate a little magical moment that otherwise would be ignored. We realize that life is a chain of beautiful moments that will never be repeated. Never let the sadness of your past and the fear of your future ruin the happiness of your present. "Don't cry over the past; it's gone. Don't stress about the future; it hasn't arrived. Live in the present and make it beautiful." Buddha.
With love and light,
Roman March 1, 2023