LIVING IN THE NOW

                                                                   - Dr. Bobby Sura

Past, present and future and intimately connected. What we do today becomes our past tomorrow, and also creates the conditions for our experience in the future. We are continuously making our history in the present moment, and simultaneously shaping our destiny in the weeks, months and years ahead…

Human beings have an uncanny ability to dwell in every place except where they actually are. It is extraordinary how we are never fully conscious of the now moment. Either we reminisce about time gone by, or envisage the time to come. Whether we look backwards or forwards, we miss the precious nature of the present.

As we look to the past, we may do so in one of two ways.  Either we look with a regretful heart, at what should or could have been, inviting feelings of despair at how things might have occurred.  How often do we find ourselves saying, if only I’d said this then... or, I wish I‘d made a different decision. When our attempts to repair past errors becomes habitual, our neglect of the present tends to create a further back-log of mistakes and missed opportunities.  While our eyes look back, the present is slipping by.

On the other hand, we may look to the past with a sense of celebration. Surely this is a good thing? After-all, what harm is there in honouring old victories and achievements, and reliving the pleasure and glory of good times?  Indeed this can be helpful, as it can strengthen our self-esteem. But, we may be looking for warmth in fires that burned out long ago.  In their illusory glow, we may attempt to bolster our sense of worth, but when our day-dreams depart we are left to our own devices once more.  Further, the pride of past successes can make us arrogant and complacent in the present moment.  It is akin to resting on one’s laurels.

I would suggest that excursions into the future have their own problems.  Again, we may look in one of two ways.  If we look pessimistically, we are likely to manufacture fear and anxiety.  All those frightening what if scenarios eat away at our peace of mind.  What if I make a fool of myself... what if I try and I fail?  This negative mental chatter is a common experience in the modern world - because those who live by the sword, die by the sword.  Our society has put such emphasis on the achievement of goals, performance related awards and social comparisons that man seems to constantly live in a state of  self-doubt.

Even if we look to the future with hope, we risk pushing our ideal lives into some unknown period of time - we withhold the goodness from the present, as we project it into some place weeks, months or even years ahead.  How often do we say, when I have more time, I’ll take up that hobby... one day I’d like to visit that place... and so on? Unfulfilled ambitions are a lead weight, which human beings seem to willingly place around their own necks.  They make for a tiresome journey.

Whether we look forwards or backwards, the conclusion is that we divert our energy away from where we are in the here and now. psychologically speaking, playing with time in this way can be a powerful ego-defence, helping is to maintain an anchor in stormy seas. Finding a sense of self-worth in the past, or hopeful fantasy in the future, can certainly be a refuge from problems in the present. However, it is a temporary respite- we ultimately have to return to the now, whether we like it or not. Indeed, we may return with an enhanced ability to cope with present situations, as occurs when we come back recuperated after a healthy vacation. But, the solutions to stresses and problems in the present, also exist in the present. It is the only active stage. The now is alive. The past gas quite literally passed-away. the future is yet to be born.

Here is a though;

            Live every moment, and love every moment

It makes perfect sense when philosophers and spiritually minded individuals talk in this way. I read somewhere recently a related prayer;

            I pray that you live every day of your life

What we do now, how we live now, the relationships and love we generate now- it all weaves the fabric of the carpet beneath our feet. Our thoughts, actions and attitudes in the present determine the ground upon which we walk.

            As you reach for the stars, be careful not to crush the flowers beneath your feet

It is crucial that we revere each and every moment. Life truly is a precious and priceless gift. embrace today, and live it to the full! In filling the now moment with goodness, we invite paradise into our hearts and minds, no less. If the now moment is spent ethically, if moral values and respectful approaches to the world guide our conduct in the present, then our hearts and minds will be free of any burden.

The now moment is effectively the intersection of all time- it is the gateway to heaven on earth. Let us fill the now with all that is wholesome and nurturing. Let us take care over where and how we spend the now. And consider this-if the now sparkles with the gems of spiritual wisdom, if the Satguru's light illuminates it, life truly can be a festival of color.

Joy here and hereafter!

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