How can I best become unbound by the past, stop being so focused on the future and remain in the present with my current situation?
ALL QUESTIONS
Dear Seeker,
Short answer
You are already only in the present with your current situation.
Longer answer
You already know that everything you experience you experience in the present moment. You cannot experience it in the past nor experience it in the future - only right here, right now. It is a matter of how you direct your attention.
The simplest strategy to keep returning attention to the present moment is using awareness and the breath.
Hold the intention to be as aware as possible of where/how you are directing your attention. When you become aware your mind’s attention is in the past, gently return it to the present moment and your breath. Take three deep breaths, slowly in and out. Return to normal breathing. Pay attention to your breathing body - notice its sensations and feelings - without judgement or analysis.
Thoughts about past and future are entirely to be expected. We have no choice in this - it is simply an inevitable part of what the mind does - however, we do have choice over how we react to these thoughts.
A habitual reaction may be waiting on alert for them, grasping onto them when they appear and following them down rabbit holes until we are lost in an imaginary world.
A more considered response cultivated through increased awareness is to notice when they appear, greet them with a friendly curious attitude, ‘Ah! It’s you again!’, and let them go on their way without following them. Focus attention on the breath, be in the moment with whatever that entails.
~ May your mind be agile ~ May your heart be noble ~ May your course be steady ~
Dear Seeker,
Short answer
You are already only in the present with your current situation.
Longer answer
You already know that everything you experience you experience in the present moment. You cannot experience it in the past nor experience it in the future - only right here, right now. It is a matter of how you direct your attention.
The simplest strategy to keep returning attention to the present moment is using awareness and the breath.
Hold the intention to be as aware as possible of where/how you are directing your attention. When you become aware your mind’s attention is in the past, gently return it to the present moment and your breath. Take three deep breaths, slowly in and out. Return to normal breathing. Pay attention to your breathing body - notice its sensations and feelings - without judgement or analysis.
Thoughts about past and future are entirely to be expected. We have no choice in this - it is simply an inevitable part of what the mind does - however, we do have choice over how we react to these thoughts.
A habitual reaction may be waiting on alert for them, grasping onto them when they appear and following them down rabbit holes until we are lost in an imaginary world.
A more considered response cultivated through increased awareness is to notice when they appear, greet them with a friendly curious attitude, ‘Ah! It’s you again!’, and let them go on their way without following them. Focus attention on the breath, be in the moment with whatever that entails.
~ May your mind be agile ~ May your heart be noble ~ May your course be steady ~
