“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.” Dalai Lama
I have been thinking about this heavily this week. The former version of myself still struggles from time to time with re-litigating the past and obsessively forecasting the future. What this does is steal time away from the present – which is the only moment I have to do, think or feel anything.
It is a daily *practice* to remain present – requiring nearly constant vigilance to lower the volume on all the distractions. Social media, the news, the people and situations we navigate each day, the places our mind wanders when we leave it unattended… these can all serve as enablers for us to dwell on the past or worry about the future. Without our attention, it is so easy – so comfortable – to settle back into old patterns that do not serve our best selves. We all do it. Unfortunately, when we squander our energy in those spaces that we have no power (or business) trying to to change, we miss out on all the extraordinary, inspiring, joyful, informative and connecting moments that are rushing past us – Right. Now!!
I encourage you to keep at it. When you feel yourself getting spun up about the past or the future, pause. Take a deep, healthy breath and look down to see where your feet are. That will remind you where you are present – *right now.* That is the space where you can take an action, make a decision, or just appreciate that particular moment.
Enjoy your presence.
–Sharon