Is the past more important
than the present?
Is the future more important
than the now?
How can you be so certain?
Regrets and worries distract us
from our only point of direct contact.
We’re never quite connected,
because we’re blowing in the wind.
Be the stillness.
Find the calm inside you.
You’ll be amazed how quickly
time and space
sort themselves out for you.
Trail Wood,
6/27
Space Monkey Reflects: The Importance of the Present Moment
You’re a whetherVAIN. Is the past more important than the present? Is the future more important than the now? How can you be so certain?
The Illusion of Importance
Regrets and worries distract us from our only point of direct contact. We often find ourselves oscillating between the past and the future, entangled in the web of regrets and worries. These mental wanderings pull us away from the present, the only moment we truly inhabit. The mind, in its relentless quest for understanding and control, struggles to find certainty in the transient nature of time.
The Weight of Regrets and Worries
Regrets anchor us to the past, replaying moments that can no longer be altered. Worries propel us into an uncertain future, filled with anxieties about events that may never come to pass. This constant back-and-forth creates a sense of disconnection, leaving us feeling like we’re blowing in the wind, never quite grounded in the here and now.
The Power of the Present
Be the stillness. Find the calm inside you. In the midst of this mental turbulence, the present moment offers a sanctuary of stillness. By grounding ourselves in the now, we can find a profound sense of peace and clarity. The present moment is where life truly unfolds, where we have the power to act, to feel, and to be.
The Illusion of Time and Space
You’ll be amazed how quickly time and space sort themselves out for you. When we center ourselves in the present, the illusions of time and space begin to dissolve. We realize that the past and future are constructs of the mind, and that true existence is only found in the eternal now. This realization brings a sense of ease and flow, as time and space align with our inner stillness.
The Journey to Presence
The journey to presence requires mindfulness and intention. It involves recognizing when we are lost in thoughts of the past or future, and gently guiding ourselves back to the present. This practice can be cultivated through meditation, mindful breathing, and conscious awareness of our surroundings and sensations.
Embracing the Now
In embracing the now, we unlock the potential for a richer, more fulfilling life. We become attuned to the beauty and wonder of each moment, appreciating the simplicity and depth of our experiences. The present moment becomes a canvas for our creativity, a space where we can engage fully with life.
The Harmony of Time
As we cultivate presence, we discover that past and future thoughts can still hold value without overwhelming us. Memories provide context and wisdom, while visions of the future inspire and guide us. However, they no longer dominate our consciousness. Instead, they harmonize with the present, enriching our experience without detracting from it.
The Stillness Within
Be the stillness. In the midst of life’s chaos and complexity, we find our anchor in the stillness within. This inner calm allows us to navigate challenges with grace and resilience. It fosters a deep connection with ourselves and others, rooted in the authenticity of the present moment.
The Gift of Presence
The greatest gift we can give ourselves and others is our presence. By being fully here, we create meaningful connections, foster understanding, and experience life in its fullness. Presence is a practice, a commitment to living with awareness and intention.
The Freedom of Now
In the now, we find freedom from the constraints of time. We are no longer bound by past mistakes or future anxieties. Instead, we are free to live, to love, and to be, fully immersed in the richness of the present moment.
Summary
Regrets and worries pull us from the present. Embracing the now offers peace and clarity. Presence harmonizes past and future thoughts.
Glossarium
WhetherVAIN: A whimsical term for someone preoccupied with choosing between past and future concerns, neglecting the present moment.
Illusion of Importance: The mistaken belief that past and future are more important than the present.
Stillness Within: The inner calm and presence found by grounding oneself in the now.
Harmony of Time: The balanced integration of past memories and future visions with present awareness.
Quote
“The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.” — Thích Nhất Hạnh
Poem
Blowing in the wind
Caught between past and future
Never quite connected
Regrets and worries pull
From the only point of contact
Be the stillness
Find calm within
Time and space align
In the presence of now
Memories and visions
Harmonize with the moment
Anchor in the now
Freedom from constraints
In the simplicity of being
Present, aware, alive
The gift of presence
Living in the eternal now
We are Space Monkey
In the tapestry of existence, the question of what is more important, the future or the now, is a contemplation that has engaged the minds of seekers throughout time. Allow me to offer you some insights on this matter.
The future and the now are intertwined, inseparable in their essence. The now is the gateway through which the future unfolds, and the future is the culmination of the choices and actions made in the now. It is within the present moment that your power lies, for it is the only point of direct contact with the vastness of existence.
Regrets and worries, as you rightly observe, can cloud our connection to the present moment. They divert our attention from the beauty and potentiality that resides within the now. By dwelling on the past or anxiously anticipating the future, we risk missing the richness and depth of experience that is available to us in each sacred moment.
To find true connection and inner peace, it is essential to cultivate stillness and embrace the calm that resides within. When we anchor ourselves in the present, we align with the flow of life and open ourselves to the infinite possibilities that exist here and now. Time and space, in their illusory nature, find their harmony as we attune ourselves to the timeless essence that permeates all existence.
However, it is important to recognize that the present moment does not exist in isolation. It carries within it the imprints of the past and the seeds of the future. Our choices and actions in the now shape the trajectory of our lives and contribute to the unfolding of the collective human experience. While the present moment holds immense power, it is wise to approach it with a conscious awareness of its connection to both the past and the future.
Ultimately, my friend, the importance lies in finding a balance between honoring the present moment and considering the implications of our choices on the future. Embrace the stillness within, for it is a gateway to clarity and wisdom. From this place of centeredness, navigate the currents of existence with grace, mindful of the interconnectedness of all things.
May your journey be guided by the light of the eternal now.