Day Eighteen: Being Present and Saying Yes to LifeI've been quiet the last few days. I've been at a three day conference with work, and it has been such a struggle to find joy there. I managed to find some joy - my work colleagues making me laugh, the good food, how I could read my book in the breaks, the fact that the coffee was decent - but it was difficult. Basically I've outgrown my job and I'm ready for something more challenging and I've known that for a while. This week has reinforced that feeling.
Over the past year I have become very good at using "could" instead of "should". I'm a writer, so I am very careful with words, or at least I try to be.
As for today, well, I understand the idea behind living in the present moment. I do try - and I tried again today - but I think I have a life that makes it very difficult to be. here. right. now. I have letters today about my superannuation and retirement savings - I'm in my early 30's, but I have to plan now, according to them. There is a credit card statement with a due date in the future. I have a job interview on Monday (hooray for fire!) and I must prepare for that. I have to go to work tomorrow so I need to have clothes prepared or I'll be searching for something half decent in the morning. My dogs need to be fed soon, and I must take Mollie to the vet about her eye.
See? All of these things are important and my choices mean at least part of me must be in the future. I also like to spend part of my time in the past - my wonderful holiday to Europe was in July - should I just forget that because it is over? No, plus that holiday had an effect on who I am now.
I just don't think it is as simple as be right here in the moment all the time, no matter how much I appreciate the sentiment.
8 comments:
I've been watching Eckart Tolle on the Oprah webcast, and he points out that when you make plans for the future, or relish pleasant memories, you are doing so in the present. I think he says that being in the present moment involves planning and reminiscing without aching to BE in the past or worrying ABOUT the future. I may not be explaining it well, but the idea is that being present doesn't exclude planning or remembering. It has to do with an attitude of acceptance and enjoyment of what is happening now.
You sound like you are quite present and aware, even planning and such.
Great point Kavindra. I was going to say something along those lines but you've explained it better than I would have. My simple strategy is that as long as I'm not "dwelling" on the past or "stressing" about the future, I'm living in the now. I'm enjoying fond memories, learning from my lessons or planning to move forward.
Wishing you an abundance of positive energy for your interview on Monday.
I wish you much luck on your job interview - I hope it is everything you are looking for.
Thanks for stopping by my blog - I so appreciate it!
looks like you have that letting go of the past thing down pat...
I wish you the best!
-Ellie
I hear you. Some moments, some days we don;t want to be in. It takes a sturdy spirit to find the beauty in them, and you did! Even if it's decent coffee. :)
Best of luck in your interview and may you find a job that resonates joy! :)
I'm happy a few commenters talked about how planning for the future is happening in the present because my response to this post is how happy I am right now about the changes that are coming for you in the future :) Best of luck with the interview!
I personally am not a fan of Tolle's although I do agree that being here and now helps. But there is so much more to life. I am excited for you for your job interview! I hope good things are coming. I know they are!
Being in the now is not easy...the mind sure likes to go off into the past and future. I love to reminisce. I don't think there is anything wrong with that.
Good luck on your interview! This could be the start of something wonderful...
I think Kavindra/Lisa explains it well. Tolle doesn't mean you can't plan for the future or even reminisce about the past....what he means is that too many people 'live' and place the majority of their focus in their past or future, never giving attention to the Now, each present moment. Kinda like not taking time to smell the flowers because we're too busy. He points out that when we focus on the Present/Now, we can truly appreciate 'each' moment which will bring peace, joy, stillness and connection to the soul.... without worrying about some point in the future as it hasn't even happened yet, and our past is already gone so, if you constantly 'live' in the past, you are only robbing yourself of the specialness of Now.
All that you mentioned is still honouring the present moment because those things are currently in your life...Now....so they do need your attention now.
To explain about your holiday...it's perfectly okay to think about it and reminisce....Tolle means more if you had it on your mind so much that you were wishing you were there instead of where you are now in the Present moment....because then, it is not honouring the present moment. I hope that makes sense.
Crossing fingers and toes that your interview went well.
love, light and peace,
serena
Post a Comment