Back to the Present
It’s easy to drift, to allow the mind to make associations, tell
stories, imagine dialogs or become engaged in an endless series of
memories and fantasies. You might call it daydreaming. It is also known
as being distracted, preoccupied or lost in thought. Sometimes a person
in this state is called ‘absent-minded’, and when called back into
focus, might even say, ‘sorry, I wasn’t here.’
When you consider it, how often during any given day do you become
un-present? What is that experience? Perhaps an overall dullness of
spirit, maybe emotional agitation or mental haze. With a blink you may
gently transition into the present, or you may be jolted by a sound or
touch. When asked about what you were thinking, what do you remember?
In contrast, what happens when you bring yourself back to the present?
Right now, in the present moment, you are most alive, most vibrant,
most connected and most filled with possibility.
If you can, focus on the present moment and explore its
characteristics. The present has energy and power. The breath is in the
present. You live in the present. You experience memories of the past
and ideas of the future in the present. The present is filled with
awareness and consciousness. It has intelligence and supreme alertness.
The present also is the pathway to deeply connect with your inner or
spiritual self.
Exploring the Present
The present moment is at the core of all physical, emotional and mental
activities. One method of exploring the present is to scan and identify
all input as though you’re making an inventory.
The physical, obviously, is experienced through the senses. For
example, right now, as you look around, what do you see? What do you
hear, feel, taste and smell? How far is your scope physically? If you
are in a room, it may be limited in distance but not in detail. If you
are outdoors, you may be experiencing a broad panorama of physical
sensations and sensory input. Internally, the physical includes
sensations such as movement, pain, breath or pulse.
The inner world can be divided into the two broad arenas of mental and
emotional experience. Notice the mind’s chatter. It might be making
observations or judgments, generating ideas or reviewing impressions.
Whether we’re busy or relaxed, the mind creates endless streams of
commentary. Just as the mind fluctuates, so do emotions. In this
moment, you might feel peaceful or content, worried or slightly
agitated. What feeling do you have?
Inquiry: Open your awareness to the physical space around you. Take the
time to survey your experience. Use your gross and subtle senses.
Notice the air and the temperature, whether you’re hot or cold and if
you are comfortable. Become aware of your breath. Ask yourself: What am
I sensing? Become aware of your mind. Notice your inner voice. Does it
shout or whisper? Now explore the dimension of feeling. Notice a mood
or emotion. Try to name the feeling, no matter what it is. Notice being
present. Is it a good feeling or bad feeling? What’s it like?
Meditation: Focus on your inner world but keep your awareness open to
what’s going on outside. Be present to your breath going in and out. Be
present to the thoughts that play in your mind without engaging in
them. Be present to your mood or feelings at the moment. Acknowledge
them and accept them. Fill yourself with the energy of being present.
Contemplation: To be alert and awake in this moment brings the full fruit of life.
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