The Present

As I finished reading ‘The Present’ by Spencer Johnson, my mind drifted to the time I did my Part One Course. I had heard so much about Art of Living that I enrolled myself for the course out of sheer curiosity. I was quite skeptic about how this course is going to be a life transforming experience but it did change my life forever with just one line- ‘Live in the present’. As I listened to my teacher explaining the importance of ‘Now’, it struck me how I was stuck between bitter memories of the past and uncertainties of the future. In shuttling between past and future, I had forgotten to enjoy the present.

Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present, which very few of us do. And that’s the reason behind the innocent smiles on their faces. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. But is it possible? Yes, it is! All you need is a little awareness. Be in the present moment if you want to be happy. Focus on what is right now.Respond to what is important today.

But then what about the past? You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present. Or you can use the past as a guiding post , not a hitching post. Learn from your past if you want to make your present better than the past. Look back at the past experiences and learn something valuable from it.

And don’t forget that your future depends on the present. But that doesn’t mean that you ruin your present with anxieties about the future. Use your present as a building block to the future. Envision your future. Make realistic plan to make your future dreams a reality. And most importantly, act on your plans today to make it happen.

As Henry David Thoreau very wisely said,”You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.” And while savoring your present moments, don’t forget to look for the purpose of your life. Explore ways to make your life more meaningful for yourself and for others. Remember, the purpose of life is a life with purpose.

© 2017 Shaloo Walia All rights reserved