Past, Present, Future –Where Are You?
If someone asked you right now where you are , you may rattle off the place, time and date.
But where are you really?
As you zip down the freeway, are you still thinking about what your significant other said last night? And by the time you get to work, are you deep in thought mulling over past memories?
When you arrive at work and settle into a meeting, are you thinking ahead, worrying about end of the month bills and next year’s schedule?
Some people that I know, seem to be fuzzy most of the time, as they live in the past, rummaging through their memories. Others are almost self contained, as they load up on anxiety and worry their way through several possible crises to come, most of which never happen. Occasionally these people break out of the fuzziness and the difference is amazing.
Deepak Chopra, author, speaker and alternative medicine advocate, explains this saying, “Your body functions in the present. Similarly, all experiences occur now. If your mind is always in the past or in the future, your life will be a fuzzy dream.”
So what are we missing?
I think Chopra is saying we may be so preoccupied with the past or the future that we simply do not absorb the rich taste of our morning coffee, or see the quick smiles of our kids as they pet the dog goodbye and head off to school, or catch the wink of a close friend when someone says something totally absurd. We are there, but not completely. That’s the fuzzy dream world.
This might also help explain lapses of memory, up and down work performances, misunderstandings with our kids, our friends, our co-workers. Sometimes we are right there in the moment making a perfect remark and connecting beautifully. Other times, not so much.
How Do We Stay in the Moment?
Nobody really wants to live in a fuzzy dream world, but breaking out of it can be a puzzle. If this all sounds interesting to you, check Chopra’s website, sit in on a mindful meditation class, or sample a Tai Chi class outdoors in the park. You may come away with some new views, and tools that will help you stay in the moment, where it’s really all happening.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Rick Kikta
