True peace and creativity flourish when we fully engage with the present
Most of us might have heard the proverb ‘You only know what you’ve got when it’s gone’ many times in our lives. But, in spite of that, many of us realize the fortune we had, only when we lose it. The stream of life flows on and every second the water in the stream is changing. At any given moment the water at the same spot in the stream is different. What is present now will move on to the next moment, so every moment life is unfolding and something new is being presented. Life unfolds in the present. But so often, we let it slip away, allowing time to rush past unobserved and unseized, and squandering the precious seconds of our lives as we are lost in the past or caught up in the future.
It’s very common for most of us to fantasize about things like shopping or going to a movie while we are at work. And while we are actually in a movie theatre, we worry about the work piling up on our desks, isn’t it ironic? We are trapped by intrusive memories of the past or fret about what may or may not happen in the future and in this whole struggle, we don't appreciate the Present because we identify ourselves with our thoughts, beliefs and emotions strongly. We forget the fact that we need to live in the Present i.e. the NOW, and for that, we need to be very still inside but we are constantly distracted by our thoughts linked to the past and future. Most of us think in a conditioned, addictive way.
We are addicted to the patterns and beliefs we created in the past which keep driving our thoughts in the present. Instead of thinking consciously and with full awareness, we are controlled by our thoughts of the past. To change this pattern we need first to pause and observe what's going on in our mind. We need to step back and watch and then steer our thoughts towards the present moment and creative goals. We need to focus on being before thinking, judging, analysing and doing. Living in the present is a state of active, open, intentional attention to the present. When we become aware of what's going on inside our mind, we realize that we are not our thoughts; we are the observer of our thoughts from moment to moment and stop judging them. It is like watching waves rising and falling on the surface of the ocean. Spiritual wisdom makes us aware and realise that we are souls — sentient points of light and purity, peace, joy and love are our original state of being. As the noise and chatter of the mind slow down, we can experience our true nature and just relax in our state of being. Then we are connected to the now not influenced by the past, future or anything out there. We are in a highly creative state when our pure awareness creates pure energy of love, joy and peace in every moment and shapes our destiny. Under such a stage, we are flowing with life without grasping, chasing, wanting, needing or holding on to anything. We are in a truly liberated state and truly powerful and creative. There is fresh energy in every thought and action. Living in the present reduces impulsive and reactive behaviour. Those who live in the moment can hear negative feedback without feeling threatened.
They are more accepting, accommodating and flexible, as a result of which they have easy and satisfying relationships. It is very important for all of us to realize that we are now in the most important and beneficial age when the Almighty Himself is bestowing His treasures of wisdom, love and powers upon humanity. Hence, by becoming soul conscious we can live in the present and make the best out of each second of this valuable period. Being aware of the self as a soul and of being connected to the Supreme liberates us in a second and we are able to flow with life with ease and lightness. So, don’t look back because you are not going that way.
(Writer is a spiritual educator and popular columnist; views are personal)
