I have a close acquaintance who lives in the past. The present does not exist for him nor does the future. He dwells on the past. He recollects nostalgic events and people. I’m not a psychologist and I do not pass judgment on him. I think it’s tough to live in the present. So many people advocate living in the present moment without mentioning how the present moment is full of surprises and not all of them pleasant. It takes courage to live in the present moment. It takes courage to experience the joys, sorrows, and moments of exhilaration all of which come without warning. It’s all there. It’s all part of life. If one wants to experience life it’s not so much in traveling and taking in new experiences. It’s more about experiencing what is right now in the place one finds him or herself. When we dare to go there and remain there we experience the depths and breaths of human life. It’s a wonderful place to be. I’ll see you there.
Points to Ponder
- Do you find yourself replaying the past more than living today?
- What “small moments” of the present could you embrace more deeply?
- How does courage play a role in accepting both joy and sorrow right now?
- Is it harder for you to face the unknown of the present or the uncertainty of the future?
- How might living in the present shift your relationships and daily outlook?