“Be mindful of the future, but not at the expense of the moment.” – Qui Gon Jinn
Often, we worry about the past or the future and forget about what the present is in store for us. While it is good to look back in the past for lessons, nostalgia, and familiarity, living in the past sometimes lures us into thinking it is comfort zone and contentment or cast doubt over our current disposition and outlook. It is also the same with overthinking about the future. We often think that the future is uncertain. Of course, it is. But it is also an opportunity for us to design a brighter future, one that is healthy, God-centered, and full of positivity.
In today’s fast-paced life, freeing ourselves from the constraints and worries about the past and the future can actually help us achieve more in life. Living in the moment allows us to enjoy more and appreciate God’s blessings. We can establish healthier relationships with God and those around us if we live in the present.
What does it mean to live in the moment?
Living in the moment means channeling your energy, time, and passion to what is in front of you. Many mistake this as not looking at the past or thinking about what the future brings. That is not actually the case. Living in the moment consults the past and, in fact, looks forward into the future. A person living in the moment is actually doing so because he hast lessons from the past and wants to design his or her future. The book Live in the Moment by Barbara Lyons Slade states that living in the moment means finding having control over your life. Barbara Slade on Live In The Moment discussed how to earnestly live in the moment. Slade’s idea on achieving a healthier mental and spiritual well-being rests upon a balanced and God-centered disposition.
How to live fully and in the moment today?
Below is a short but very relevant list of advice on how to live in the moment, inspired by Barbara Lyon Slade’s own words. In this time of great pandemic and seemingly constant disarray, these ideas certainly can help dispel doubt, fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. The trick is for us to develop a strong mindset and trust in God’s wisdom and His words.
Appreciate what you have. We are so preoccupied with what’s behind us and what the future holds or does not hold for us that we forget what we have- resources, blessings, people, and current opportunities. We may not have everything, but certainly, there are many things to be grateful for each new day. According to Slade, comparing ourselves to others and being too hard on ourselves is no way to live in the moment. Work hard, be thankful for what you have, and appreciate yourself.
Forgive others and yourself. The past can be a powerful ally. It’s the source of lessons, wisdom, and experience. But more often than not, the past also carries mistakes, immaturity, and trauma. If we are to live in the moment, we must let all those things that pull us away from our full potential and other possibilities. Forgiving those who have wronged us and forgiving ourselves for all those failures and shortcomings allow us to live in the moment and free from the clutches of the past.
Be both the dreamer and the doer. Finally, Barbara Lyons Slade reminds us that living in the moment also means dreaming about the future and working hard to secure that future. Truly living in the moment is listening to God’s voice and purpose every day. It means doing things that not only benefit your current needs but also help build a healthier, happier, and fulfilled version of yourself in the future.
Living in the moment is not one-dimensional thinking wherein we go with the flow and let things unfold. To enjoy life as it happens is easy if we can let go of all the burdens and start embracing what the present offers us, be it blessings, opportunities, people, and circumstances. We can face each new day with hope, optimism, and kindness if we allow God and positivity to guide us always.
Trina’s Travel 