“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.” — Eckhart Tolle
When you stand in the middle of your life watching the entrances and exists of your colleagues, associates, acquaintances, friends, family and loved ones immersing themselves with an abundance of over-scheduled appointments, meetings, conferences, classes, e-mails, electronic devices and texting sequences . . . the fixation of getting things done coupled with filling up our time reflects as The Science of Mind suggests, ” … the arbitrary line of demarcation that is something created by our ego mind.”
We don’t like to hear or listen to anyone or anything inferring that we are manipulated by our ego. Unfortunately, the actions and behavior exposes the exact opposite in our own lives and the people we know. Living with intentions and goal oriented outcomes is perfectly acceptable within the parameters of outlined direction or expectations. The problem arises when over time, living in the moment becomes lost to a future experience, which has yet to arrive. We’ve all been there, and know exactly how over-programed we can become losing not just one moment, but years and even decades. When we finally stop the merry-go-round, we’ve missed precious time with our families and loved ones, which may never be recovered. Science of Mind suggests this . . . “Our thoughts are the keys to changing our lives. If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got.”
Some individuals fill up their time with whatever helps them through a challenging or difficult moment, due to the basic fear of facing what may not exist in their lives. We have all known those moments, the difference comes when there is a conscious awakening within the deep recesses of our existence. Once that recognition takes place there is no retreat or turning back. Why would we want to? Now there exists a choice, we come to realize what has existed all along. The answer has always resided within us. There exists a portal for all of us, when we acknowledge to accept unconditionally being present in every moment of our lives irregardless of how unpleasant or hurtful that moment may be. We all have plans for the future, and we can always learn from our past experiences . . . which is a given. The real key to this is not to dwell there, without sensing the moment . . . now. There is always a choice for all of us as Thich Nhat Hanh reveals with this quote . . . “With mindfulness you can establish yourself in the present in order to touch the wonders of life that are available in that moment.” There was a phrase repeated many times a few years ago that sums it up quite well, the future hasn’t arrived, the past is over and the present is all we have . . . that’s why we call it a gift. JLR