The word now is an adverb of time used to describe the present moment. Spiritual teachings constantly advocate living in the present. Now also represents a change from the previous state. Religion and therapy use different ways to emphasize the importance of being present. The here and now prioritizes understanding of the immediate. How do I feel, what is my response, and why do I have these thoughts around a daily occurrence?
Being present is having the self-awareness to examine a world that delivers experience. Now is a constant reminder to hold the balance between the past and future. It does not exclude either. As I gather my thoughts on this subject, it becomes easy to see why being present requires effort. Now is a motivator to learn about mindfulness so that I can get into my feelings in each moment!
Is not being present breaking the stream of consciousness? Or is being in the now simply thoughts unbroken by distraction or an indication of focus? If we are in the present moment, is there room for self-criticism? Does being in the here and now mean there is an absence of anything unrelated to the current experience? As you can see, the questions are mounting. I must be present (tee hee). I have become aware that the time has come for a whisper on the subject of now:
The ego will try to convince you it is a difficult task to be in the moment. Trying too hard to be in the moment has a shadow side or a limiting effect. Being forced into being present can lead to avoiding uncomfortable feelings. To focus on breath can take the attention away from basic emotional responses at hand. Misunderstandings occur when the mind goes into a closed loop. Stray thoughts can begin to spin in circles, breaking the chain of presence.
Emotional regulations mean allowing a space for emotions to process. There is no greater now than having the compassion for self that allows an emotion to surface. Understanding of a core emotional response is a deep expression that can be shared. There is no greater now than experiencing such a heart connection. Being aware of what the moment produces gives information about your current experience.
In reality, being in the here and now is fairly simple. As self-awareness develops, the mind begins to spot any distancing from being present. The human senses are always attuned to the here and now. Thoughts that distract from the moment can be beneficial. It’s good to consciously think through a decision or a strategy needed to solve a problem. Such thoughts are usually an intentional aspect of the here and now.
It takes no effort to experience the beauty that surrounds you. At any time, you can drop into the zone where divine love exists. Whether the experience seems fleeting or unbreakable, the mind, body, and spirit remain ready for the moment. It is the connection to source that unifies all three. Don’t fight your human nature, but instead find the flow of energy that defines your existence.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“You needed a fire inside you, the kind that kept you passionately invested in the here and now, the kind that made you want to shape what was happening rather than letting it shape you.”
Sarah Beth
Is this card for you?
This is a message about your personal growth and development. Squeaky Wheel stresses the importance of guarding your sensitive energy field. Great discernment is needed when it comes to making decisions when being tested.
At the IEL Institute for the Spiritual Arts, we can help with the growth of self-awareness. From the training modules to the library of articles and meditations, you can elevate your senses to choose your battles with wisdom. Use the platform to better hear the whispers from your heart without that annoying voice of the ego interfering with your life.
