"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
2 Aug 2024
We need to be more present in the moment. Living in the now (also known as mindfulness) is paying active, open, and intentional attention to the present. When you become attentive, you recognize that you are not your thoughts; instead, you observe your thoughts from moment to moment without criticizing them. Mindfulness entails being present with your thoughts as they arise, rather than grabbing or pushing them away. Instead of passing through life without experiencing it, you awaken to it. Cultivating a nonjudgmental awareness of the present provides numerous benefits.
Living in the moment involves a profound paradox ~
Yes. Regardless of how terrible your negative experiences are, they can be used to teach you and shape your future. Take some time to think about your experience and consider how it can benefit you in the future. Reflecting on the past is acceptable, but lingering on it can perpetuate bad thoughts and feelings.
Do not be afraid to express your pain. Whether it's talking to the person who has damaged you (or who you have harmed), ranting to a friend, or writing it down, expressing your feelings might help you figure out what, if anything, needs to be done to move forward. More importantly, it benefits your health. Dr. Edmund Bourne, creator of The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, advises that holding onto your sentiments can cause anxiety, sadness, headaches, and high blood pressure. Grief expert Gloria Horsley from OpentoHope says "When it's time to express your feelings, make sure to use "I" messages. Describe the degree of your emotions, and share them with someone who will listen and not pass judgment. This will help you express the grief you're going through."
If you have been harmed by someone, you may not want to forgive them. According to Dr. Wayne Dyer, forgiveness is vital for spiritual progress. Dr. Dyer offers 15 methods to help you forgive someone, including appreciating the past while moving forward, forming a new pact with yourself, not going to bed angry, and being nice and generous. While you are at it, forgive yourself. Nobody is flawless, and everyone makes mistakes. Instead of berating yourself for past failures, give yourself a break and concentrate on the lessons you've learned. You'll be able to move forward once you've let go of your anger and resentment.
Finally, begin creating new, positive memories to replace the negative ones from the past. Spend your time with the people who make you happy, the things that make you happy, and the places that make you feel at ease. Making new memories is preferable to being stuck in the past. Scientists discovered that possessing too many old memories can hinder the ability to form new ones. So, out with the old, in with the new. Here's to living in the now!