live more in the moment

It’s just this is pretty much the same as “leave the past in the past, the future in the future, and enjoy the present of the present” So I’m narrowing it down to just that one. I’m horrible at this, no matter how you word it! Good luck everybody!

Sure you have to plan stuff out and organize to some extent – living more ‘in the moment’ does not (at least to me) mean trashing all responsibilities (although that does sound very tempting, haha) – it’s when your entire focus is on that filled-to-the-brim calendar that there’s a problem.

I have discovered that the best way for me to break the habit is to do something spontaneous. Depending on the circumstances, the spontaneous act might be considered crazy by some (calling in sick to work so I can go running in a rainstorm) or just a change of pace (going out of my way to study at a different coffee shop).

And if all else fails and the world feels overwhelming, then sure: drop everything for a day! Just say f*ck it, leave the bloody calendar behind, and go do something fun!!!

I can’t get the hang of it. I’m always thinking of what I’ve got to do next. It’ll take a bit more practice!

“Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.” – James Thurbur

that’s what i want 2 do not only in mindfulness classes!

...but it’s not. I don’t know why it’s so hard. I guess it’s just this hectic, consumerist, media-crazed culture we live in. I just get sucked into focusing on where I’m going, how I’m getting there, and stressing over all the little things that get in my way. I want to be able to look up from the keyboard/schedule/tv/textbook and see the world for what it really is.

Can you imagine what it would be like to be totally unplugged for a just a day? No TV (not that hard to imagine), no radio or mp3s (little harder), no cell phone no xbox no internet?! I often wonder how much of this world is genuinely the way we think it is and how much of our impressions are tainted by viewing it through a screen. I bet the answer’s scary.

Anyway, I don’t mean to ramble (sorry). I just want to be able to focus on the “now” and not take anything for granted. The one guarantee in life is that we die – so I think we should all stop letting ourselves be swept up and lost in society, and take an active approach. Enjoy the little things. My parents freaked when I told them I was taking a year off after getting my B.S. “You’re throwing away your life!” I was told. I think I’m just getting it back.

Dwelling on the past is counter-productive and worrying about the future is pointless. But what I’m doing right at this very moment… Am I enjoying life as much as I could be? Am I being observant of everything going on around me? (the beauty & the ugliness?) Whether I’m working at a task, learning something new, or just allowing myself to take a guiltless relaxing minute just for me… Am I making this moment one that I’ll have no regrets about?