“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha
The present day mindfulness movement has made a mantra of the present moment. There are constant calls to be in the “now”, to pay attention to the present, to be aware of our state at this very moment. Whenever something like this gets into pop culture, as it has, it almost inevitably takes on meanings beyond the simple idea originally represented. The notion of the present moment is no different. It’s not rocket science. It’s simply what is right now.
To many, the idea of being in the present moment is not an attractive one. The present is full of suffering, it is stressful, it is unsatisfactory, and sometimes it’s terrifying. Such people not only don’t want to be in the present moment they do everything they can to escape it. They immerse themselves in books, movies, TV, social media, etc. to escape. Many use drugs and alcohol to get away from “now” and still others use thrill seeking in an attempt to make the present moment more exciting and pleasurable. But these escapes do not solve the underlying problems. Instead, they merely cover them up, to be suffered through at other times.
So, to many people the idea of being in the present seems ludicrous. Why focus on the suffering? Why work to stay in the place they find so uncomfortable and unsatisfactory. What is missed is that the present moment may seem to be the problem, but it is in fact the solution. After all, where else could problems be dealt with? The past can’t be changed and the future is simply a present moment that has not yet arrived. So, the present moment is a big deal because it is the only time that any problems can be solved, any issues addressed, and any happiness experienced. In fact, truly seeing the present moment as it is lets us see where our unhappiness and suffering are coming from.
The Buddha said that “I teach only two things: suffering and the end of suffering.” He recognized that things were unsatisfactory in the present moment, but paradoxically the unsatisfactoriness can only be ended in the present moment. Part of the problem that people have in seeing this is that their experience of the present moment is not a pure experience of the very moment. Instead it is colored by past experiences and future expectations and it is these that are the source of the suffering. Releasing them and seeing everything just as it is, is what is needed to relieve the suffering.
For many the present moment is filled with, not what’s simply there, but with their judgments and interpretations of what’s present based upon their past experiences. So, rather than enjoy a social interaction the individual is fearful and unhappy because in the past similar social encounters have produced unhappiness. Their past experiences cause them to interpret the current situation as a threat and not an opportunity. This makes the present moment unsatisfactory, even though, taking it simply for what it is, it is not only satisfactory but wonderful. The rumination about the past prevents the enjoyment of the moment from ever occurring.
For many the present moment and the things that are in it are predictors of future disaster or pain. The present moment is filled with anxiety fueled by constant worry and fear about the future. So the present moment is never honestly experienced, it’s constantly being seen as an indicator that problems are on the horizon. This causes these people to completely miss the wonder of the present moment.
We engage in mindfulness training in order to see the present moment as it is. The training works to eliminate the ruminations and worries that taint the experience of the present. It works to stop the judging and labelling of whatever is present. Our conditioning is deep and it takes time and practice, but slowly we begin to see the present in its glory. We begin to see that life is unfolding right here and right now, not in a remembered past or an imagined future, but right now. Slowly we begin to see that what is happening is not about us, it doesn’t say anything about us. It just is.
In actuality “now” is filled with amazing things and great joy and happiness, if we just let it. It is a big deal. In fact it’s the only deal.
The “Now” may be seen as boring, containing little that is new. But, in actuality, “now” is a unique moment that has never happened before and will never happen again. If we just look at it carefully we can easily discern how unique and amazing this very moment is. The fact of our breathing is simply a miracle. We are blessed by the beautiful sensations that are constantly being refreshed. We experience the biggest miracle of all, that we are aware of this very moment. Seeing and understanding that can lead to insight and awakening that can transform existence and it is only available in the present moment.
Our lives are the sum total of present moments. Life can only be lived now. Living elsewhere is missing out on all that life has to offer. It’s no wonder people have so many regrets on their death beds. They never truly lived. They never let themselves simply experience the essence of life itself occurring only in present moments. But, living in the “now” is not to avoid regrets. It’s to experience the joy and wonder of interacting with another human being. It’s to be loved and to love. It’s to be awed by how everything arises and falls away. It’s to feel the air on or skin. It’s to hear the music of sounds around us. It’s to see the beauty in everything. It’s to experience the intense pleasures of the flavors of foods. It’s to “smell the roses.”
So, practice mindfulness and discover the big deal about the present moment.
CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies