Living in the “Now” connects us to the energy that is present in all things. Our Spirits within live in the present. It’s only our mind’s limited thinking that takes us to the past and the future. Identifying with our minds is the greatest obstacle to experiencing our truth and reality. We lose the power of Now when we identify with our thoughts. To live in the present we must become observers of our thoughts. We must get a sense of humor about the content of our minds. Our ego’s needs are endless. It reduces the present into a means to an end and always causes pain. Problems create pain. Suffering needs time. It cannot survive in the Now. Time is our greatest obstacle to living fully present. The good news is that the moment we realize we are not present, we are present. If we are observing our thinking, we are in the present. Every cell of our being vibrates with the joy of just being.
We have no need for a past identity or future fulfillment. Aren’t two of God’s greatest attributes infinity and eternity? When we live in the past, we replay old stories, get stuck in them and don’t move forward. We feel guilty which seeks punishment. When we realize the past is just a story, that we’re human and we make mistakes, we can forgive ourselves and others which frees us from the ties that bind us to the past. We can make amends for our mistakes and use the awareness not to repeat them. We move forward into the present.
When we observe our thoughts, we become instantly aware when we put ourselves into states of fear and worry. Worry is visioning worst-case scenarios. Fear increases tension which increases pain. Let’s take notice that when we need to be in control we are operating in a state of fear. Let go! If we have to look to the future, why not visualize the best possibilities through eyes of faith? Practice a fearless vision today by completing this sentence─ “If I weren’t afraid, I would_____.” Let’s dwell in the Now and only paying visits to the past and the future. Let’s say, “Yes,” to the present moment.
In the Now, messages come through our intuition, our feelings and our body. Ironically, when we live in that narrow 10% of our brain potential ─ the thinking mind, we drive ourselves crazy and need to escape with addictions that numb our bodies and close ourselves off to our truth within, divine messages and direction. Living in the present enhances our ability to accept and love ourselves which is the most essential element of life. The answers to all our worries and problems operate at a higher level than the problem. Let’s float above and see the big picture. Infinite wisdom is always available on a need-to-know basis. When we accept whatever the present moment contains as if we’ve chosen it, we then act more consciously, and our life transforms. We grow as we discover and release beliefs that keep us smaller than our potential. As we bless our changes, they will bless us. We step into a world that honors our greatness within and everyone we meet. Love, joy and peace are states of being, not thoughts.
These are not new ideas. Ram Dass introduced us to “Be Here Now,” and Eckhart Tolle continued the journey in his highly acclaimed book, “The Power of Now.” Let’s move a muscle and change a thought. We can’t think our way into a new way of living; we have to live our way into a new way of thinking. Right Now! Please write Dr. Sandy Islands at sandyislands@hawaii.rr.com