“The future is a Mystery.
Now is a Gift,
And this is why it is called the Present.“

I received this poem from an old friend Leanne, and indeed, it was a present, reminding me to connect with my practice of staying in the now, enjoying and making the most of what is. As I write this I'm aware of the many levels living in the now has, which would take a lot more than a couple of pages to share with you. Therefore my aim is to remind you of some of the gifts that being in the now has, especially when you take a step towards it.

It is not uncommon for many of us to live in the past. Blaming someone else for what is or being attached to 'if only that didn't happen' or 'if that did happen' things would be different today. Old subconscious beliefs, often obsolete but never replaced or 'unlearnt', demonstrate how the experience of the present is impacted by a past long gone.

Q. Do you live in the PAST and if so, what is your pattern?

You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present. - Jan Glidewell -

My tendency is to run away with my worries. For example, my partner will complete his Phd in six months. He then plans to apply for a post-doctorate position which means leaving our idyllic home town Delft which I have grown to love, to go to another country and I still don't know where that will be. As a result, I find myself spending quite some of my energy on worrying about this situation. However, being conscious of what I am doing is helping me shift my attention, so I can make the most of what I have now.

Q. How much time do you spend in the FUTURE?

If you worry about what might be, and wonder what might have been, you will ignore what is.
- Author Unknown -

Living in the present is made up of an array of different situations, from good times to difficult ones. When life is at it's best it is quite easy to stay in the 'Now' and enjoy all that it offers. Yet with life having its ups and downs, or when we go out of our comfort zone, staying in the moment is not so easy. We become consumed with our insecurities which disfigures the present, from what really is.

Q. How often do you live in the PRESENT?

Our thoughts are powerful but we don't need to let them take control or overshadow the now. The moment is full of treasures no matter what is going on. Perhaps the now can not click it's fingers and make everything bad go away but what it does do, is prevent us from getting lost in a reality (past) that has been and gone or that has not yet happened (future).

It may seem easier to run away when times get difficult, instead of staying present, yet this is not necessarily the answer, as the now does in fact offer us refuge. In the wonderful book 'The Power Of Now', Eckhart Tolle writes about the importance of accepting what is. By accepting our situation and letting go of our resistance, difficult times are experienced with more clarity, creating no more suffering, pain and unhappiness than necessary. Note that accepting what is does not mean giving up.

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.
 - Dale Carnegie -

Being in the Now offers us the opportunity to be with what is and to make the most of what is. It is paying attention to the smallest details that can and do bring joy. When your mind is still you are able to notice and appreciate what you never saw before. From friendships to a beautiful sunset.

· By staying present we can reserve our energy and use it to make the most of what we have.

· We can't bring the past back but we can make the moment count, where we can create the future we want.

· The moment brings more peace, stillness and clarity.

I got the blues thinking about the future, so I left off and made some marmalade. It's amazing how it cheers one up to shred oranges and scrub the floor.
 - D.H. Lawrence -

A few tips to connecting to the moment:

· Stop – become aware of what you are doing and what your reality is – sieving out what is from the past or the future, (become aware of your patterns).

· Connect to your breath (this is a powerful and fast way to connect) and experience the moment through your senses.

· Take responsibility for what you are going through.

· Learn to look after your needs and insecurities, in order to be more present.

· Find your own practice of connecting to the now. For example I love dancing and painting.

The living moment is everything. - D.H. Lawrence

Recommended Reading

'The precious Present' by Spencer Johnson. MD

'The Power Of Now' by Eckhart Tolle

This is a very important topic and I have lightly touch upon some of it's many points. If you would like to work on being more present please contact me for coaching. Taster sessions are always available.

May your moment be filled with much peace.

Best wishes, Marisa

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