“Your Daily Dose” is a quick two minute read packed with bite-sized wisdom from all the great teachers. But you could also choose to turn it into something more… a powerful daily practice for personal growth. Give it a try!
A message from today’s meditation:
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.
However, acceptance is only the first step. 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. True presence is not about passive resignation; it’s about conscious engagement with the present reality. By fully accepting the present moment, we can respond to it with clarity and intention, rather than reacting from a place of fear or regret.
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.”
By cultivating present moment awareness, we can break free from the prison of past and future. We can reclaim our mental and emotional energy, and begin to live a life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful.
Wishing you awareness and a return to presence, moment by moment.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: The power of NOW.
Today’s LIVE meditation
https://youtu.be/CUvrI5CmjU0 2025
https://youtu.be/I7OIbst3ebE 2024
https://youtu.be/q0MZpyXCMDo 2023
Practice the “Daily Dose”
Let’s put it into practice! Choose what works for you – daily, once a week or whenever inspiration strikes. Putting pen to paper wires the neural pathways that will create your new habits.
1 – Affirmation
Write down your favourite affirmation on a sticky note and place it somewhere that you’ll be able to see it the whole day.
- “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.”
2 – A moment of reflection
Use today’s question as a journal prompt. If you don’t have the time to sit down and write, just take a moment to reflect on your response.
Accept… Then Act: Think of a challenge you’re currently facing. First, write out what full acceptance of the reality of this situation would look like without any action required. When you stop wishing that this was different, then you’ve stepped into the kind of presence that says, “I accept that this is what I need to deal with.” Then, from that place of acceptance, what actions become clear? How does this differ from actions you might take from a place of resistance, fear, or regret?
3 – Quotes to share
Send a quote to someone who needs it, or share them all on social media to spread the good vibes!
4 – Q&A for deeper learning
Read through the questions and answers and write down at least one “aha moment” that clicked for you.
Q1: What does it mean that the past and future “exist only in our minds”?
The past and future are mental constructs. The past is only a memory. Yes, these are things that actually happened, but now they exist only as the meaning that our minds made as it tried to connect the dots. The future is imagination and projection. Often the future is nothing more than the screen on which we are projecting the worst fears that we’ve learned form the past. Neither exists in tangible, physical reality. The only thing that actually exists is now, the only thing that we have the power to have an effect on is now, yet we spend enormous energy in these other mental realms where we have no actual power to change anything.
Q2: Isn’t planning for the future important? How can I balance being present with being responsible?
Absolutely, planning is important and this isn’t about abandoning all future consideration. The distinction is between productive planning done in the present moment versus anxious rumination about what might happen. When you plan from a grounded, present state, you’re more effective. When you’re lost in worry about the future, you’re draining energy without actually accomplishing anything useful.
Q3: What’s the difference between acceptance and resignation?
Acceptance is active and empowering; resignation is passive and defeating. Resignation says “there’s nothing I can do, so I give up.” Acceptance says “this is the reality I’m working with, so what’s my most effective response?” Acceptance doesn’t mean you like the situation or won’t try to change it. It means you’re dealing with what actually is, not what you wish it were.
Q4: How do I practice accepting the present moment when it contains real pain or difficulty?
Acceptance doesn’t mean pretending pain doesn’t exist or that difficult situations are fine. It means acknowledging the reality without adding extra suffering through resistance. You might accept that you’re experiencing grief, illness, or hardship, which then allows you to respond with appropriate care and action rather than being paralyzed by denial or overwhelmed by “this shouldn’t be happening.”
Q5: What does “accept… then act” look like in practice?
First, you acknowledge the full reality of your current situation without mental resistance. Then, from that clear-eyed place, you determine what action is needed. For example: “I accept that I lost my job” (reality). “Now, what steps can I take today to move forward?” (action). This is more effective than staying stuck in “this shouldn’t have happened” or spiraling into fear about the future.
Q6: How can I tell if I’m dwelling too much in the past or future?
Notice your emotional state and energy levels. Dwelling in the past often creates feelings of regret, guilt, resentment, or nostalgia. Future-focused anxiety creates worry, fear, and overwhelm. If you frequently feel these emotions while your body is safe in the present moment, that’s a sign your mind is time traveling. Also notice if you’re having trouble focusing on current tasks or conversations.
Q7: What are some practical ways to bring myself back to the present moment?
The breath is your most accessible anchor to the present. Simply notice your breathing for a few cycles. You can also engage your senses: notice five things you can see, four you can hear, three you can touch, two you can smell, one you can taste. Physical sensations, like feeling your feet on the ground, can instantly return you to now. The key is having a practice you can return to repeatedly throughout your day.