Thoughts on Living In the Moment
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Practically every teacher of spirituality teaches of the importance of being in the moment. Why does it make a difference? Why should I care, if I am in the moment or thinking of the past or the future? I have found that when I go back in time, the excursion depends on my mood, i.e., if I feel good, I will recall a happy occasion, but if I am sad or frustrated, I tend to dwell on negative events, the ones that make me feel sorry for myself; predictably my mood will color my projections into the future, with some trepidation. Since I am aware of what I am doing, and how my focus will literally create my reality, from brain chemicals affecting my physical body, to thoughts having vibration, I snap out of it quickly.
Using our minds carelessly to go back to the past or future traps us into non- resourceful states and suppresses the full glory of the moment. The world loses its color and depth when our minds are spinning.
I recall a warm, sunny afternoon with my soulmate. As we were talking and I was totally focused in the moment, listening with my full attention, I suddenly felt that I was observing myself. I felt non judgement for self, and could appreciate the vibrancy of the green grass and the gentle wind on the leaves of the tree; the sky was bluer than usual, and the clarity of our communication was enhanced; because I was fully in the present moment, the world became present for me. I could feel God/Source in everything, it was a feeling that opened my heart and eyes to perceiving reality with gratitude and depth.
I have learned that living in the moment, does not imply, I can never use my memory to recall an event as I just did by sharing my experience, or plan for the future. It simply means, I use the gift of my mind and memory when necessary, but for the most part, when I step out of the incessant stream of mental chatter, an inner stillness reveals a spaciousness and an awareness of the sacredness of life.
Post note: I will continue writing in Hubpages from time to time, as I love this community of talented folks, but I feel more comfortable in sharing certain type of spiritual musings in my new blog at my Dance With Truth -Love is The Answer. Made an exception tonight with this entry. I think its a more appropriate medium for existential non religious rants and raves. :) If you are philosophically/spiritually minded, and follow me, I will also follow you. If you have a blog, feel free to post the link in the comments field, and if its a topic I enjoy, I will follow you or readers may follow you. (I am not leaving Hubpages, just using two different mediums to express myself).
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Amanda: I was about to go to log off and saw a comment. Yippee! :) I find the mind can be exhausting when we let it go back and forth instead of being silent in the moment. When I am focused in the moment, I am even better able to create. Thanks for reading and being the first to comment!
Hi VioletSun' ,very nice hub , I think this is an issue that people just don't acknowledge , but it is soo important to be in the moment, I am lucky , I have always stood away from people in general, but remain still "aware" of time and place , it's a very important ingrediant to the healing process too. It is very sad as well to watch soo many who just can't become one with the moment .
Don't be a stranger here, Marie...will miss your wise words. Let me take at peek at your blog, meanwhile! :)
Hi Marie, I too have realized the importance of being in the now... :) Off I go to view your blog. Excited to see what you have done!
Dear Marie,
thank you for your wise words
"...because I was fully in the present moment, the world became PRESENT for me...", this is the best explanation of importance of "living in the now" as much is possible.
Please, if it is possible, stay with us here.
Love ,light and many hugs.
Hey Violetsun...love your blog. I'm now following you. I invite you to come follow me at my blog: http://www.businesswomensforum.blogspot.com/
It is the only thing one wishes to have during meditation. For in this moment, past, present and future converge. There is only NOW. Thank you for the hub. I enjoyed it.
Lovely hub VS. Living in the moment is a must if you want to be happy, but it is easier said than done. But with some mind control it can be done. Cheers to an amazing hub.
This was very nice I really enjoyed the message.
@ahorseback: You made a point that I didn't mention, being in the moment is indeed an important ingredient to the healing process. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I feel another musing coming up. :)
FP: Oh, no I am not leaving, not at all. Just that certain more personal musings will be shared in the blog and I will continue writing at Hubpages with the less personal ones. I am too attached to my friends here!
Michelle: Its a learning process isn't it? Too bad that when I first read about being in the moment decades ago, I sorta paid attention but not enough to put into practice.
Tatjana: It was amazing, what I experienced that day, the world became Present, my conciousness shifted for a few minutes and then I went back to my old way of perceiving. I won't be leaving Hubpages; I think my hub may have given that impression. Its nice to have friends who would not want me to leave. hehe. :) Thank you for following me in my blog!
Nancy: Thank you! I joined your blog the other night when I saw your link in Facebook. I liiiike the subject about women topics. Have some catching up to do!
Msorennson: Meditation is a good focus to being in the NOW. I used to have a lot of trouble meditating, but, now I am better able to relax and let go.
Jay: Its not always easy to be in the moment, but as you say with some discipline it can be done. Good to see you. :)
Zzron: Like your avatar. Thank you for reading and commenting. :)
Thanks everyone for reading and your comments, its appreciated!
I am a bit slow these days...but for me "Living in the Moment" is when my dementing Mother has a good moment, smiles and kisses my hand, or gets excited when she sees a baby, a puppy, or is outside enjoying the sun and fresh air...
Then that moment is gone and never comes back to her...So I try my best to join her in her moments, the one's when she is talking and trying so hard to convey a message and it just drops off into nowhere.
I shall never understand this disease...though I try everyday...God Bless You :O) Hugs G-Ma
G-Ma: I fully understand your experience of the moment as my Mom also had Alzeihmer's, its tough to watch. And yes, they do live in a moment by moment basis, except they don't have the memory. Hugs to you G-Ma and great to see you.
Hi Marie, Living in the moment is a foundation of zen. "Normally, we do not so much look at things as overlook them. — Alan Watts. May we all begin to LOOK at things!
Hi Cristoph: You wrote "Normally, we do not so much look at things as overlook them. — Alan Watts. May we all begin to LOOK at things!"
Couldn't agree more; living in a state of mindfulness allows one to really look. I feel another essay coming up based on this comment! LOL. Thanks for your comments!
Hi Marie, I became 62 last month and I have realised that it has taken me this long to start becoming halfway human, as I would like a human being to be. HUMILITY is an important part of reaching that wonderful state of being a good human being, followed by a lot of other things such as compassion, tenderness, care, kindness, understanding and many other things which I can only attempt to strive for, without much hope for attainment. Be well and thank you for your many kindness to me!!! :-)
We will miss you here at the Hubs but I also understand your reasons for blogging at your site. I have a site as well that I use in conjunction with the hubs. Living in the moment is delightful.
When I was a boy my parents always fought over the past, they literally lived in the past with all their negatives. I also have had problems up until a few years ago of letting go of the past, but when I finally did, my life took a big turn for the better.
There isn't a darn thing we can change with our past, but the moment we have right now, yes we can make changes in so many creative ways for everyone to enjoy. So keep living in the moment the future will take care of itself. Peace and hugs.
Your thoughts in this hub were very inspiring for me this morning ~ thanks, and I will check out your blog:)
De Greek: You are very open with your writings about yourself and I love this quality in you. The fact that you appreciate certain qualities in others means you posses them in some measure, and kindness is one that you posses. I am not leaving Hubpages, will have to amend the text a little so when I feel rested, so no one thinks I am leaving. I am just writing in a more personal/spiritual level in my blogs than in Hubpgages and wanted to bring some attention to my blog. :)
Saddlerider: Isn't it wonderful? When we are not prisoners of the past? We all do the best we can with our level of awareness at whatever point we were in our lives. There are mistakes I made when younger that I wouldn't even think of doing nowadays, now that I am wiser. Sometimes I am "grateful" for my mistakes, it helped me to grow. I will stick around Hubpages not leaving, just writing more in my blog. :)
Tracy: Thank you for reading and commenting. Its appreciated!
Thank you so much for this lovely article, Violet Sun! I was taken aback by the image of the Northern Lights-to see them one day is my dream...but now, I will content myself with looking at the keyboard! :):)
Lorlie: Likewise, for now I must also content myself with looking at them online,they are so awesome. Sigh. Thanks for visiting and adding your warm presence. :)
I shared photos of the Northern Lights in a previous hub.
Thank you for reminding us with this wonderful article, Marie! It's so tough to be in the 'now' without the baggage of the past and the fear of the future overshadowing it - but when we do, how great are the rewards!
Bookmarked your blog.
Shalini: I agree! Its not easy to always be in the moment, we are too human, but, its so worth it learning day by day to get into this state. Thanks for bookmarking my blog. :)
Hugs,
Marie
I am still working on this, Marie, and honestly - it makes such a difference in how I feel when I achieve this one day 'day.'
When I get up with just one day for me to live and enjoy - I find it easier to meditate and do yoga and do all sorts of healthful things. Somehow thinking of doing wonderful things for just one day - makes it so...well doable. But then when you start planning those 10 million things usually over the course of just a few days - well mental burnout happens.
Your hubs are wonderful reminders. Just as I was losing today - your hub pulled me back to the presence. It just feels so good.
Thanks a million for sharing today! ('ll bookmark so I can keep up with your blog)
Carolyn
Carolyn: My s/o and I agreed to remind each other to be in the present as it so easy to get pulled back into the zillion things that have to be done, and the mind to start spinning, and with the spinning fears, doubts, etc can creep in. The future literally is created moment by moment anyhow. Thanks for sharing your thoughts it enhances this hub and thank you for bookmarking my blog. :)
Hi Marie! Here I am...again a late comer. :) I really don't have to say how soothing your words sound to me because you already know that. I'll follow you wherever you go, whether its HP or blogger. :) Keep spreading love and happiness through your writings. You're a gifted writer. Take care.
Hi Anjali, Thank you for your continuing support, its always encouraging and appreciated! Thanks for following me here and in blogger. I also enjoy your writings! :)
Hugs~
That was such a wonderful read. Well written and inspiring.
Thank you, Drcrishasse; appreciate your reading and comments!
VioletSun, I enjoyed reading this. To me, being in the moment means self-forgetfulness, and this happens when we are very happy and involved in a task that transcends our normal state of awareness. But I've never heard of anyone doing that when they are unhappy or bored.
Aya: Finding one's passion can make it easier in staying in the moment. I assume you are able to experience it as you have a very interesting life. Was reading your profile and wow, you are an inspiration!
..interesting thought - are you living in the moment?
or are living for the moment?
Interesting question! I would say when we live in the moment we live for the moment as it embraces all. Thanks for reading and your comments.
Nice reminder, nice images, nicely done!
Thank you Dr.Jewel! Appreciate your reading and commenting.
Very nicely written! It's quite alright by me to use more than one medium to express yourself. I do that from time to time :)
Nursegrace: Thanks for your comments, always appreciate readers and feedback. :)
Very heart warming! Your eloquence inspired my soul! Thanks so much... I liked this via FB, voted up and rated it awesome and beautiful because it is! =)
I enjoyed the reading your perspective is a common one.
Please allow me to go another place.
We have unique parts of our body.
I like to say there are three.
One for our physical 5 reality sensors(the now experiences)
We all are familiar with 24 hour reality.
Let's go deeper, the virtual mental visualizing reality where it is not physical.
This is our conscious mind which is not limited to now reality but can process future actions for future experiences, future moods. This wonderful processor can surf through data from the past for references to design new experiences, new everything.
Ok then there is the emotional metaphysical which stores all memories of emotions. Here is the delicious stimuli that guides our future and our present and helps our past clarity for what is wanted from unwanted.
So 3 dimensions to help us for all times and in all places.
Again your writing touches on all aspects and is wonderful in artist selections and content.
Inspiredbydg: Very interssting perspective, thanks for sharing. I am aware we have different dimensions, but enjoyed reading how you explained them. I see you are new to Hubpages, welcome aboard! :)
Marie dear, wow it has been awhile since I jumped from one hub to another. It's only now I realized you have decided on this move. I am excited to visit your blog.
Truly being present in the moment is more fulfilling than reliving the past and worrying about the future. Hugs and thumbs up for this hub. Love and Light:)
Hi Daisy, I am moving my blog to my new website, which Iam finishing at the moment. Thanks for stopping by, its good to see you in Hubpages! :)
Beautiful! Thank you :-)
Thank you, Ruzica for reading! :)
Wonderful, beautiful, well written Hub!! I voted-up! Thank you VioletSun. When you get a chance, come visit me. Be Blessed!!
It's not easy to turn off that stream of mental chatter. But we can train ourselves to do so, and the result is well worth the effort.
Thanks for the reminder I needed today to live in the NOW!
MM
DrCarlotta, Thanks for the rating, blessings to you too! Will visit soon.
MM, Your words are right on! I had a discussion a while back with my s/o, and told him I realize that I have a tendency to go into the future, more so than the past, so I project stuff in the future, some good others not so good, and it takes me out of the moment, but with practice it has become easier to stay in the moment.
Off to living today in the NOW too. :)
So true is your hub! Thoroughly enjoyed your depth. I especially liked this; Using our minds carelessly to go back to the past or future traps us into non- resourceful states and suppresses the full glory of the moment. The world loses its color and depth when our minds are spinning.
Congratulations on your new site and blog and I will go there to see what you have. I have started a new site if you want to ck it out http://getreadingnow.com/
Onceuponatime, I have the blog at http://www.dancewithtruth.com decided to put the blog in a website. Thanks for visiting, have to update this hub, and will be checking yours out!
I so believe in the concept of 'living in the moment.' I live in the moment without any regrets or attachment to what has gone by, or fear or anxiousness of what is to come. Congrats on the new blog. Will check out your blog! Take care!!
Shil, wonderful to read that you have learned to live in the moment, it changes and enhances the quality of one's inner life. Thanks for stopping by!
Living in the moment or now is essential to getting the most out of life. Can't do much about the past and the future hasn't even happened yet. All creation begins in the now.
Mazzastick, words of pure truth. Creation begins in the now, love this reminder! Thank you for adding your valuable comments.
I have heard recently that the 'now' is the only place of eternity, therfore it is the only place of power. the moment is the threshold, or door of creative power. God loves it when you are in the 'now' for then you confirm His goodness with thankfulness and a release of eternal 'life juice' so to speak.
Great hub and topic
Tony
Tony, I like your comment that "the 'now" is the only place of eternity, therefore it is the only place of power." This makes it even clearer for me of the gift and blessing of being in the now. Thanks for adding your insightful comments!
Oh, goodness, VioletSun. So much to say, so much to say. Great topic and well written.
Presence.
Living in the moment
The timeless sense. In which all possibilities coexsist.
Living in presence impiles both the doing of "living" and the being of "presence." Simultaneiously.
Bhramachara. The way in which god behaves.
In the moment, we stand upon the mountaintop, overlooking both our past and future. And yet, this state of presence is not a place, but a method by which we plan our future and view our past. This is the key to changing our past, contray to one of the comments. It can be changed by how we view our actions and the actions of those around us. Switching from micro to macro perceptions.
Just as our future can be choosen through the lens we wish to experience it through.
Voteing up and will visit your blog.
TK: Your words switching from micro to macro perceptions, says it all. We indeed can change our entire experience in life by transcending our limited perceptions of ourselves and the world. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment that adds to the hub. :)
By the way, I changed the link of my blog to the new one as I will transferring my blogs to the current one.
Loved your hub- I have learned that to look to the past is often times when we bring up guilt feelings. If we look to the future, we may experience fear. By learning to live in the moment (the now) we have the ability to create which is often an unrecognized talent that develops with practice.
Ok , So I keep looking for new reading from older friends , I admit it ! There are you happy!...lol.....:-}
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Amanda Severn Level 3 Commenter 21 months ago
Hi VioletSun, I like the idea of being in the now. Most of the time our minds are like little engines idling the time away, seldom revving up or getting into gear. I just read this article, and instead of letting myself drift along I actually sat up and paid attention for a moment, and you're right. It does make a difference.