Past and Future…
Two places that exist only in our minds, yet so much of our energy is spent there.
If you had to put a percentage on it, how much of your attention dwells in the past, and how much attention is hijacked by an uncertain future? Where you place your attention, is where you direct your energy, and when so much of your energy is spent in these two imaginary realms, how much energy are you left with to spend right here where you can actually be effective?
“Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it. Make it your friend and ally, not your enemy. This will miraculously transform your whole life.” – Eckhart Tolle
When we resist what this moment presents we are stuck in the past, we are holding on to an old idea of “what we thought this moment should have been.”
Resisting the reality of this present moment creates a block that prevents us from fully committing our energy to what this moment presents, diverting our attention to old thoughts or anxiety about a future spinning out of control.
There is a follow-up to Eckhart’s suggestion that we accept the present moment as if we had chosen it…
“Accept… then act.” – Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart makes it clear that “being present” is not an attempt to chill-out or avoid the reality of our circumstances, but the only way to act with clarity. In the absence of acceptance, all of our action is based on an imagined reality. Fully accepting the reality of what this moment requires of me means that I can take effective action, not wasting a drop of energy.
Mantras for a powerful present:
- Breathe into the now. Let the past and future fade, feel your breath grounding you.
- Accept what is. It’s the only reality you have to work with.
- Act with clarity. When your mind is at peace, your actions are powerful.
Wishing you awareness and a return to presence, moment by moment.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: The power of NOW.