Our minds are constantly racing between an unchangeable past and an imaginary future. In the process, we ignore the only real thing there is – The Now. All our fears, anxieties, worries, stress and other forms of negativity all stem from an inability of our minds to remain present in the current moment.
Advice from Masters – Quotes & Tips on Living in the Now
Time isn’t precious at all, because it is an illusion. What you perceive as precious is not time but the one point that is out of time: the Now. That is precious indeed. The more you are focused on time — past and future — the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is. Why is it the most precious thing? Firstly, because it is the only thing. It’s all there is.
The reason why some people love to engage in dangerous activities, such as mountain climbing, car racing, and so on, although they may not be aware of it, is that it forces them into the Now — that intensely alive state that is free of time, free of problems, free of thinking, free of the burden of the personality.
The old patterns of thought, emotion, behavior, reaction, and desire are acted out in endless repeat performances, a script in your mind that gives you an identity of sorts but distorts or covers up the reality of the Now. The mind then creates an obsession with the future as an escape from the unsatisfactory present.
All negativity is caused by an accumulation of psychological time and denial of the present. Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry — all forms of fear — are caused by too much future, and not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of nonforgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence. This kind of psychological fear is always of something that might happen, not of something that is happening now.
Eckhart Tolle – Spiritual Teacher, Author – Power of Now / A New Earth / Practicing the Power of Now Eckhart Tolle – Spiritual Teacher, Author – Power of Now / A New Earth / Practicing the Power of Now
Top 5 Books that help you Live in the Present Moment
Do your find your mind constantly stuck in the unchangeable past or daydreaming of an imaginary future? These books will help you discover and reclaim the ability to remain present in the Now.
Practicing the Power of Now: Essential Teachings, Meditations, and Exercises from the Power of Now
Authors: Eckhart Tolle,
In this book, Tolle gives you more insight into the skill of mindfulness and shows you how you can end your enslavement to the mind and become its master instead. He also provides simple techniques to go beyond your ego-based consciousness and argues that they holds the key to abolishing all the vices that have corrupted the world today.
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
Authors: Eckhart Tolle,
Eckhart Tolle shows you how much of your life you can change by focusing on the present, in other words, by being mindful. On your journey to enlightenment, you will face its biggest enemy — your mind. Tolle helps you control it, as well as your reactions in life, and as a result you will develop a stronger connection with your inner-self.
The Present: The Secret to Enjoying Your Work and Life, Now!
Authors: Spencer Johnson,
In The Present, Johnson illustrates the tale of a young boy who embarked on a journey in pursuit of a unique gift that the universe has in store. He left no stone unturned in his pursuit, only to discover by the end of it that this gift is The Present. Johnson teaches you to plant seeds today, and enjoy their fruits for the rest of your life.
You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment
Authors: Thich Nhat Hanh,Sherab Chödzin Kohn
Thich Nhat Hanh reveals the secret to true happiness, and it isn’t about running away from life or its responsibilities. Rather, it is about being present and engage in life consciously. It is to develop “Mindfulness”. Once you’ve developed this, he claims you will taste real freedom and experience life in its purest sense.
Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment and Your Life
Authors: Jon Kabat-Zinn,
Through mindfulness, you will discover a fuller sense of self and contentment in life. Renowned teacher, Jon Kabat-Zinn, shows you how you can master this skill. In this book, he demonstrates the power of heartfulness, why you should keep returning to your authentic self frequently, the 3 mental causes of suffering and more such life-transforming principles.
Other concepts on Meditation & Mindfulness
What is meditation?
Meditation means different things for different people. For some, it is a technique, while for others meditation is a way of life. Is it a return to your true nature, a focus on your inner rather than your outward world, a way to relax and gain peace or the ability to sit and do nothing at all. What’s your answer?
Our Minds
We like to think that we are in control of our minds, but in reality it is our minds that are in control of us. By indulging in an incessant stream of positive or negative thoughts, and jumping between the past and the future, our minds never allow us to completely relax and enjoy the beauty of the present moment – the only true thing there is.
Elements for Good Meditation
Meditating can be challenging, especially in the initial stages. To become good at meditation, there are a number of elements that are important to keep in mind including – the importance of a good posture, your mindset, your meditative space and how to deal with the various impediments that you experience while meditating.
Meditation Techniques
There are a wide range of different meditation techniques – being a silent observer, focusing on your breath, zen, dynamic meditations and the list goes on. There is no correct or preferred method, you need to find the technique that works the best for you.