The power of NOW… “Being present” has such a spiritual connotation that its pure practical application is often missed. It’s a shame because “being present” is simply the most effective way to apply your effort. Dealing with what this moment makes available to you right NOW, is the only place where you have any power at all.
“I am a lover of what is, not because I’m a spiritual person, but because it hurts when I argue with reality. We can know that reality is good just as it is, because when we argue with it, we experience tension and frustration. We don’t feel natural or balanced. When we stop opposing reality, action becomes simple, fluid, kind, and fearless.” – Byron Katie
“The Work reveals that what you think shouldn’t have happened, should in fact have happened. It should have happened because it did, and no thinking in the world can change it. This doesn’t mean that you condone it or approve of it. It just means that you can see things without resistance and without the confusion of your inner struggle. No one wants their children to get sick, no one wants to be in a car accident; but when these things happen, how can it be helpful to mentally argue with them? We know better than to do that, yet we do it, because we don’t know how to stop.” – Byron Katie
We struggle to be present because our inner narrative – the way in which we speak to ourselves – was recorded from the events that we’ve lived through in the past. This inner voice from the past is always repeating the same old anxieties and when it looks into the future, it predicts that our worst fears will come true.
In the moments when you’re able to step out of the old recording and step into wisdom, you have no problem dealing with reality just as it is. Your soul is the most present “thing” that you will ever encounter. While your soul has been collecting wisdom across millennia, it is never trying to be anywhere but right here, right now, dealing with reality exactly as it is.
When you learn to listen to the whisper of your soul, all resistance to reality melts away and confusion evaporates. When you stop opposing reality, action becomes simple, fluid, kind, and fearless.
Really being present and surrendering to reality just as it is, brings clarity. While I’m fighting with reality, I’m trying to take action from data that doesn’t exist. But when I accept this moment just as it is, then I become available to see all the data that presents itself. Taking action from clarity.
A few questions to guide you back to presence:
- What am I resisting right now?
- How can I make peace with the present moment?
- What opportunities are hidden within this moment?
- What story am I telling myself about the past or future?
- How can I rewrite my narrative to empower myself?
Ultimately, the power to transform your life lies in how you choose to respond to this very moment. Embracing the power of NOW is not just a philosophical concept; it’s a practical tool for navigating life’s challenges and creating a fulfilling existence. By no longer trying to avoid reality, we reduce stress, improve our relationships, and enhance our overall well-being.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: The power of NOW.
(picture credit: Adobe stock)