On being present…
Some of Jon Kabat-Zinn’s most well known work is on the theme of being present, as illustrated by the very fitting title of one of his books, “Wherever you go, there you are.”
Today’s meditation journey approaches being present from two perspectives:
What do we gain from being present with our outer world?
When we’re not present, when we’re holding on to the thought of “what this moment should have been”, then we’ll be looking for solutions in a false reality, in what we imagined this moment to be. But when we fully allow this moment to be exactly as it is, then we become available to what this moment makes available to us. Then we are able to recognize the solutions and opportunities that this moment holds.
What do we gain from being present with our inner world?
We tend to spend a lot of energy not allowing ourselves to feel the things that we feel, and while we do this, we continue hiding from our SELF.
It is only by feeling into and all the way through what it is that we feel that we get to be the best version of our SELF, the part of us that has the ability to hold all of this. By becoming really present with what we feel, we gain access to the full spectrum of our inner wisdom.
“When we let go of wanting something else to happen in this moment, we are taking a profound step toward being able to encounter what is here now. If we hope to go anywhere or develop ourselves in any way, we can only step from where we are standing. So, in meditation practice, the best way to get somewhere is to let go of trying to get anywhere at all.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
“Once in awhile throughout the day…let go into full acceptance of the present moment, including how you are feeling and what you perceive to be happening… Give yourself permission to allow this moment to be exactly as it is, and allow yourself to be exactly as you are. Then, when you’re ready, move in the direction your heart tells you to go, mindfully and with resolution.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
“Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment. We also gain immediate access to our own powerful inner resources for insight, transformation, and healing.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
“We take care of the future best by taking care of the present now.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Practical steps towards embracing the eternal present moment in your life:
- Mindful Breathing: Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath. Pay attention to the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body.
- Sensory Awareness: Engage your senses by noticing the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you.
- Mindful Eating: Savor each bite of your food, paying attention to the flavors, textures, and aromas.
- Body Scan Meditation: Gradually scan your body, noticing any sensations, tensions, or areas of discomfort.
- Walking Meditation: Focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground with each step.
The feedback from this meditation was really special:
“WOW thank you!!! So empowering!!!! Brand new perspective!!! (Happy tears!!)
“Such amazing gifts of encouragement & insight. Definitely bookmarking this one! Huge Gratitude. Thank you.”
“Ooooo wow,,, big big baby steps today ,,, thank you very much!”
“How did I LOOOVE this SESSION!! Let me COUNT the WAYS!!!!”
Come and join us on today’s journey.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: The power of NOW.
( image credit: “I am here” https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-I-am-here/1021503/6736397/view )