Do You Live In Your Mind?
First Listed August 25, 2008
future = imagination
past = memory
Do you realize the only moment where we have any power is in the Present Moment? There is nothing we can do about the past, which is a memory, and there’s not much we can do about the future, which lies in our imagination – and sometimes our imaginations can get out of control – at least I know mine can. The past has already happened so that is why it equals a memory. We can learn from our past, but to live in the past is not really living. On the other hand, if you are always in the future, in your imagination, wondering and hoping and striving for, then you neglect the Present Moment. It’s ok to go into the future to plan and set goals, but if you live there, your life will pass you by.
Anything that ever happens, only happens in the Now. When the past happened, it happened in the Now. When a future event happens, it only happens in the Now. The Present Moment is all we ever have. It doesn’t mean we are going to like what is happening in our life, but if we resist it, we will only suffer. Acceptance is the key to whatever is happening in your life at each moment. When you accept it, you are one with life. This is something I practice every day and it’s the most important thing I can do for myself and everyone else.
Don’t live in your mind. Practice Mindfulness to live more in the Present Moment. Whatever you are doing, do only that. If you are washing your hands, feel the water, its temperature and fluidity – don’t think about work or what time you are going to go workout. Be there in that moment.
Something that has helped me do this actually happened to me by accident. I purchased a new watch for work and I was trying to set a daily alarm. It has so many functions it was a little confusing learning how to work it, but I was finally able to set the alarm. Along with setting this alarm, I also some how set a chime to go off every hour. It startled me the first time I heard it, not because it’s loud, but because I wasn’t expecting it. I was thinking to myself how the heck did I do that and how do I stop it. A thought came to me about using this chime to remind me to be in the Present Moment. So now every hour when I hear that chime, no matter where I am, I take a deep inhale and exhale and become totally present. I get out of my head and into my surroundings. It’s been such a great reminder to stay present and I’m glad that some how I turned this chime on by accident (even though I don’t believe in accidents).
Now instead of an annoying noise, it’s one of the sweetest sounds I hear all day.
With gratitude,
Gina
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