Present or Not Present

It can be easy for us to walk through the world and our lives
without really being present. While dwelling on the past and living
for the future are common pastimes, it is physically impossible to
live anywhere but the present moment. We cannot step out our front
door and take a left turn to May of last year any more than we can
take a right turn to December 2010. Nevertheless, we can easily miss
the future we are waiting for as it becomes the now we are too busy
to pay attention to. We then spend the rest of our time
playing "catch up" to the moment that we just let pass by. During
moments like these, it is important to remember that there is only
Now.

In order to feel more at home in the present moment, it is important
to try to stay aware, open, and receptive. Being in the present
moment requires our full attention so that we are fully awake to
experience it. When we are fully present, our minds do not wander.
We are focused on what is going on right now, rather than thinking
about what just happened or worrying about what is going to happen
next. Being present lets us experience each moment in our lives in a
way that cannot be fully lived through memory or fantasy.

When we begin to corral our attention into the present moment, it
can be almost overwhelming to be here. There is a state of stillness
that has to happen that can take some getting used to, and the mind
chatter that so often gets us into our heads and out of the present
moment doesn't have as much to do. We may feel a lack of control
because we aren't busy planning our next move, assessing our current
situation, or anticipating the future. Instead, being present
requires that we be flexible, creative, attentive, and spontaneous.
Each present moment is completely new, and nothing like it has
happened or will ever happen again. As you move through your day,
remember to stay present in each moment. In doing so, you will live
your life without having to wait for the future or yearn for the
past. Life happens to us when we happen to life in the Now.