i grabbed a book yesterday from the Spiritual Center
and have barely been able to put it down.
i have SO many pages ear marked to make notes about
and it has me thinking about so many things.
one of which is something i would love to
get feedback about...
here is an excerpt from the book that
i am trying to process and digest:
"Because I don't live in either my past or my future.
I'm interested only in the present.
If you can concentrate always on the present,
you'll be a happy man.
You'll see that there is life in the desert,
that there are stars in the heavens,
and that tribesmen fight because they
are part of the human race.
Life will be a party for you, a grand festival,
because life is the moment we're living right now."
i can say that i agree completely with this passage
but am not sure how to even begin to
really live my life that way ...
I am genuinely seeking it out and was wondering ...
how do you think it is possible to truly live in the
present moment ...
to not let past or future thoughts enter
into your mind or your decision making??
what is the secret??
thoughts...anyone??
peaceandlove,
kolleen
ps...this book is AMAZING!
totally worth the read
Isn't it a fantastic book? The first time I've read it, I couldn't put it down.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question about living for and in the moment and not to look either back into the past or future is to do what you are passionate about. In other words, what fills your soul? Because when you are passionate about what you do - fulfilling your soul's purpose - you do not question if its right or your not looking for answers into the future or the past...
So be true to your soul and you will see that you will appreciate everything that surrounds you in the moment.
Julia
I would love to read it! We are currently on our 4TH reading of Power of Now. Same idea, but very hard to do. Which is why we are reading it 4 times!! And it won't be the last. Because as soon as you put it down, the forgetting starts to happen. It's human nature. We can do better, but we have to seek and strive to do it. I would say that I am getting better with practice and yes, it is worth the trouble!!!
ReplyDeletep.s. I have so many books like that - highlighted, dog-eared and bookmarked to the max - that's a JUICY book!!
I think it's just about becoming mindful and aware in the everyday things. Noticing the way a tree's branch looks against the sky, listening to a song, and really becoming present to the feelings it evokes, noticing the feel of warm water on your skin as you wash dishes...you know, just the little things...anyway, that is what I try to do. I haven't read this book, but will be sure to write it on my list of 'to reads'
ReplyDeleteNo real secrets to this one, it is straight out of the concept of minfullness meditation. It simply takes practice. When you find your mind wandering all over the place, which it always wants to do, stop yourself and recognize what you were just thinking, was it planning, daydreaming, and so on and say the words outloud, ah that was daydreaming and then bring your focus/attention back to what you wanted to be focusing on, whatever it is that you are doing at the moment, making a piece of art, reading a book, eating a snack... and each time you catch your mind wandering off again, gently bring your focus back to whatever you are doing in the present moment. It sounds terribly hard and it is and it isn't... just keep practicing bring your mind back to the thing at hand and you will get better and better at it...
ReplyDeleteHi Kolleen:
ReplyDeleteI also read this book about 3 years ago and have so many pages folded and passages underlined, it is an amazing book. One of the finest.
I have read other books about living in the present. I think it would be very difficult to stay there all the time, but I do try to do it as often as I can. I find when I am in the present, it's like savoring a favorite dessert. There are no regrets, no anticipation, no wasted time. But I also love to think about wonderful past memories and I look forward to my Children coming home at christmas and all the new memories we will make that we can cherish. Thanks for reminding me about this book, I think I will read it again.
xo
I just listened to Will Smith discuss this book and the power that it had on his life & then I start reading your blog & there is is again - I think it's time I get this book!!!! Can't wait to get started!
ReplyDeleteWow, this book sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing it! I'm always interested in mindfulness--paying attention to the sweet little forgotten corners of life...but it's not always easy. For me, the key is not stressing when I forget mindfulness, but just to gently return as many times as needed. Some days I need a whole lot more reminders. :) A gratitude journal helps keep me on track and paying attention.
ReplyDeleteI do believe it's possible. I just don't think I am going to get there in this lifetime. It requires so much presence.
ReplyDeleteI loved that book too. :)
That is my favorite book of all time! I learned so much from it, and so many things stick with me. I first read it about 15 years ago, and I just reread it this past summer. Enjoy!
ReplyDelete