The Concept of 'The Now' - Living in The Present

Written by Adrian Newington

FUTURE PROJECTION:

Sometimes we have an option to be involved in a future event but in the present moment, we may feel down in spirits or emotionally not available for what ever reason. It is here that a chance becomes available for the feelings you have in the present, to be projected into the future. To say:

"I'm feeling tired and rundown lately

and the thought of that trip to the country

next week doesn't appeal at all. I'll cancel."

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...is to project low feelings into the future, and presume that you would still be feeling this way when the event comes around. If you don't have to make a decision in the present moment, forget about it entirely. Living in "THE NOW", is reality. If you're miserable, then acknowledge your feelings. It's O.K. to feel what comes from within regardless of the emotion. Stay with the truth of the emotion and don't attempt to rationalise or invalidate yourself or your feelings.

Simply experience what you feel and let it go after it has passed. Don't burden yourself with thoughts such as:

"I should be feeling this..." or "I shouldn't be feeling this..."

It's simply you expressing what is true and valid for you, and you know of your commitment to goodness.

MASTERY IN CHILDHOOD:

Children are Masters of "THE NOW," and children are masters of unconditional Love. Since a child has its needs fully catered to, it does not concern itself with distant future or past events. They are able to freely express their desires and wants without limitations or restrictions. They are naturally Loving, and they seek and respond without reserve to the Love given to them by those in their care. They consider nothing about the next meal or whether there is enough food in the cupboard, and they are oblivious to the effort behind the care put in for their well-being. They simply sense a need, express it, and find themselves catered to. A child not having to fend for itself stays perfectly content in the present moment. As far as children are concerned, meals just happen, toys have always been in their room, and there is always a soft and cozy bed to sleep in.

As we leave childhood and pass through all the various stages that take us into adult life, the influences of people and events envelope us as we journey in life. To quote that much used cliché: "The Innocence of Childhood is lost." We grow up and experience the world. We come across disappointment and hardship, and we find there are times we have to take a back seat. People can let us down, and we build up a library of memories and feelings linked to experiences.

When profound circumstances in our Adult life make us stop and evaluate where we are going, (usually an event that demands change), we then have the potential to rediscover the gems of childhood which have always been within us. Through this discovery we can then have the best of both worlds. It is, in fact, when we are reborn through the fire of our pain, and find that there is much more to life than we could ever had imagined. Through a new Love, it is possible to see our link in Spirit. This is when a person is born again of an awakened spirit; discovering the link of Love and Life, and the true connection with life and what it has to offer. All this can come about if we unite ourselves with the wisdom of Adulthood, and the Love of a Child.

A CHANCE FOR PEACE:

To live with ongoing peace after understanding the concept of "THE NOW" will bring great freedom. Start to nurture this state by letting things unfold without your anxious yearnings and worrisome concerns. Deal with problems when its time to deal with them. Obviously one needs to put some attention to future events. The planning of financial budgets, shopping and preparation of meals, holidays, business ventures etc. The preparation of the future is a valid part of the present, but after these efforts have been fulfilled, simply continue on with what requires your present availability, your daily duty. Gather the moment and rest in yourself.

If you think there will be strong winds blowing your way soon, simply acknowledge that fact as your major preparation. Do what you have to do efficiently and peacefully, then go about your business in the meantime. Don't spread your energies around too much at one time. Prioritize your workload against your personal interests. Put your duties first and get them out of the way. When you're very keen to do something whilst at the same time other things demand your attention, there can be a temptation to do a bit of this and a bit of that. When your energies are distributed like this, you are prone to mistakes from frustration since each task is advancing slowly. You will be eager to see some positive output, but because the other duties are calling for your attention, you can tend to rush and end up doing less than your best efforts would otherwise allow.

If you project to the task that you would like to be doing rather than being available to the task at hand, your state of mind then becomes inappropriate to the job you are trying to do. An attitude is then maintained that the job is a drudgery and a chore. However, by staying in "THE NOW" with the reality of the job at hand, you will perform more efficiently and the job will just fly by. Concentration will shelter you and give you peace.