Being in the Now

Yes, there are many books that have been written on this subject, and I too enjoyed Eckhardt Tolle's popular book. This is just my version, my experience of being in the now. For me, it is easiest when I am focused. I would define focus as one-pointed concentration, being totally aware of and immersed in one thing only. I may be focused on my fingertips while doing Qigong or Taiji, focused on the eyes and voice of my friend while conversing, focused on the laughter of my daughters, focused on the beauty of a flower, focused on what my heart is feeling, etc. That is when I feel most alive, because I am not ruminating about the past or planning the future.

Focus is also what makes the difference between meditation and relaxation as well. I "meditated" for many years only to learn, after finding an enlightened teacher, that I was just relaxing. Don't get me wrong, relaxation is very important, critical for good health, but it is not the same as true meditation, where there is a focus on the body, mind, or heart. For me, I first learned to focus on the body, followed by the heart (which I'm still working on), and lastly I'm trying to reign in the monkey mind.

In addition to focus,the other major component of being in the now, for me, is feeling the gratitude for the creator that makes all things possible. If I am truly focused on the beauty of a flower or one of you, how can I not be moved to tears with gratitude?

Hmm, yeah, focused gratitude…..

Blessings to you, Be the Light,

Mike