Be Here Now

A major hindrance to enjoying the present moment is not being fully in the NOW. Life’s expectations often clash with reality, leaving us overwhelmed and trapped in unproductive cycles.

Did I do that correctly? Did I give my best effort? What will happen if this doesn’t work out? Why s/he behaved that way toward me? Can I afford the item I want to buy? Questions like these often occupy our minds, leading to actions and reactions that are not fully conscious; they arise from assumptions, guilt, anxieties, and fears rather than from the truth. We tend to dwell on the past—regretting our decisions, feeling upset about someone or a challenging situation, reminiscing about pleasant memories, or worrying about the future and whether things will turn out as we hope. I acknowledge that I have entertained all these thoughts, and it took me some time to realize how unproductive this was.

I used to see myself as a hardworking person who always gave my best in everything I did, both personally and professionally. When things didn’t turn out as I had envisioned, I would become quite upset. Being emotional, I often cried and pondered all the possible reasons for my failures, feeling like I didn’t deserve them. After releasing those emotions, I would reanalyze the situation to clarify my thought process and determine what I should do next. After a few years of this behavior, I realized that I could achieve the same clarity without getting overly emotional. This shift saved me a lot of time and energy. Sometimes, it takes a long time for our minds to understand simple concepts and change our thought processes.

Most of the time, our life energy is consumed by thoughts about what did or did not go right, or what might or might not happen in the future. As a result, we often fail to put the necessary effort into our current work. This can lead to feelings of disappointment when we don’t achieve the desired results. Guilt, fears, anxieties, and other unpleasant emotions begin to resurface, creating a continuous cycle. Our actions are shaped by our thoughts. While it’s natural to reflect on the past and dream about the future, it’s important to do so with a sense of detachment. This shift in mindset doesn’t happen overnight; like many things, it requires practice.

Cultivating gratitude for the present can significantly alter one’s outlook on life. By appreciating what we have, rather than dwelling on what we lack or fear losing, we open ourselves up to a sense of contentment and abundance. This gratitude practice is a cornerstone in the journey towards conscious living and breaking free from the cycle of regret and anxiety.

There is also a shift that occurs when we take full responsibility for our actions and stop blaming external factors for our circumstances. This empowerment enables us to redirect our energy toward productive endeavors, freeing us from the exhausting cycle of blame and resentment.

Practicing mindfulness—being fully present in each moment—can lead to more intentional actions and better outcomes. This practice requires training the mind to focus on the present, rather than getting lost in past failures or future expectations. By doing so, we can enhance our productivity and achieve a sense of peace and fulfillment.

Challenging entrenched patterns and focusing on the now is important. By letting go of the mental noise created by past regrets and future anxieties, we can discover the art of conscious living.