Living here and now
In modern life, everything keeps moving at a dizzying pace, and it’s easy to get lost within it and get caught between the worries of the past and the concerns of the future. Until Wake Up Platform organized a unique talk called “Walking the Consciousness” that led to the revelation about the essence of living with yourself here and now and the transformative power it brings to life.
The guests of the talk were professionals from various educational and experienced fields.
Luis Pablo García Coronado is a physical therapist dedicated to guiding people towards the practice of meditation through physical activities and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of holistic wellness.
Iñaki Gil, with a vast experience as an entrepreneur in the United States and the United Kingdom, has ventured into sectors such as finance, hospitality and consulting. He began his career advising business families, which allowed him to gain a holistic perspective of the business and family environment. In 2012, she decided to transform her life by focusing on personal growth and supporting others on their path to a more fulfilling and conscious existence.
Ignacio Rabadán, author of the book “Y si mañana no estoy” (And if tomorrow I’m not here), holds a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Salamanca, and is known for leading major technological projects and for his teaching work at the Instituto de Empresa. His interest in technology is combined with his fascination for disciplines such as psychology, astronomy and quantum physics, enriching his vision of life.
Yolanda Blanch, with a background in business mathematics and psychology, has twenty years of experience as a currency options trader at Caixabank and currently chairs the bank’s employee pension fund. She collaborates with renowned universities teaching courses in areas such as stress management and leadership, and is recognized for her work as a coach and her love of nature.
Alejandro Guerra, after overcoming a difficult stage marked by overcoming an addiction, founded Wake up, a non-profit platform focused on promoting self-knowledge and awareness at a global level, transforming his life and the lives of those around him.
The essence of the final talk was to dive into the intensity of the moment, presence, love and man’s urgent need to recognize them. The deeper sides of this conversation included no less than touching on crucial topics, such as what love is, being able to stop time and space through love and the essential need for awareness of people.
The attendees of the talk talked about letting go of the roots of the past, fear, doubt and embracing gratitude, forgiveness, compassion as essential elements to live an authentic life.
The Art of Living Here and Now
Living Here and Now is a philosophy that encourages us to fully embrace and appreciate life in the here and now. In a society that often promotes dwelling in the past or anxiously anticipating the future, the concept of being present in the here and now can bring a sense of peace and fulfillment. In this article, we will explore the importance of living in the present and share practical tips for incorporating this philosophy into our daily lives. Whether you are seeking inner peace, greater mindfulness or a more fulfilling existence, learning to live in the present can have a transformative effect. So, let’s dive in and discover how to fully embrace the present moment.
The importance of embracing the present moment
In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to truly live in the present moment is a challenge for many. The constant demands and distractions of modern life often pull our minds away from the here and now, causing us to dwell on the past or worry about the future. However, the importance of being fully present in the present moment cannot be overemphasized. It is the key to experiencing the true essence of life and finding inner peace and contentment. In this article, we delve into the art of living in the now and explore the various ways in which people can benefit from cultivating a mindful, present-centered approach to life.
When people are preoccupied with memories of the past or worries about the future, they are missing out on the richness of the present experience. This lack of attention to the “now” can lead to a sense of disconnection and dissatisfaction with life. It is important to note that the ability to remember the past or anticipate the future is not to be condemned; however, when these abilities begin to consume our thoughts and dictate our emotional state, it becomes a detrimental pattern. The consequence of constantly living in the past or in the future is that individuals end up simply going through life rather than truly living it to its fullest. Therefore, the goal is to find a way to be in the present moment without being overwhelmed by constant rumination or apprehension.
Living in the now does not mean completely discarding all thoughts about the past and future. Rather, it involves a conscious effort to direct our attention and awareness toward the here and now, allowing us to savor the moments as they happen and engage fully with our current circumstances. This deliberate shifting of attention allows people to free themselves from the repetitive thought patterns and emotional distress often associated with being stuck in the past or consumed with future worries. By curbing our wandering minds and learning to be present, we open the door to a more vibrant, harmonious and fulfilling way of being.
Letting go of the shackles of the past and the pull of the future
The past and the future have a powerful hold on the human mind, often drawing it away from the present moment. Dwelling on past mistakes or glories can provoke feelings of regret, resentment or nostalgia, while fixating on the future can provoke anxiety, worry or a constant search for control. Both of these tendencies can obscure our ability to fully experience and appreciate the beauty and opportunities that surround us in the present. To truly live in the moment, it is crucial to recognize and free ourselves from the clutches of the past and the incessant pull of the future.
In the practice of living in the now, people are encouraged to cultivate a deep awareness of their thought patterns and emotional responses. Recognizing when the mind is drawn into a cycle of past- or future-oriented thoughts is the first step in freeing oneself from these restrictive tendencies. By developing a conscious understanding of the ways in which the past and future influence our present experience, we can begin to disentangle ourselves from their pervasive influence. This process empowers people to shed the unnecessary burdens of the past and relinquish the overwhelming desire to control and predict the future, thus opening the space to embrace the fullness of the present moment.
Reversing the Order of Things: Prioritize the Present
In a world that often glorifies multitasking, productivity and future planning, the idea of reversing the order of things and prioritizing the present may seem unconventional. However, this shift in perspective is a fundamental component of mindfulness practice and living in the here and now. It involves a conscious decision to place more value on the quality of our current experiences and relationships, rather than constantly deferring our happiness and fulfillment to some future moment. By recognizing the impermanence of each moment and the value of the “now,” people can begin to reevaluate their priorities and make a deliberate decision to invest more wholeheartedly in the present moment.
This intentional reordering of priorities can manifest in various aspects of life, from the way we allocate our time and attention to the way we nurture and maintain our most meaningful connections. It prompts us to ask important questions about how we relate to the world around us and the extent to which we actively participate in and savor our current experiences. Adopting this philosophy requires consciously moving out of autopilot mode, where we just jump through hoops, and adopting a more deliberate and enriching way of being in the world.
Do not allow mental rumination to take the reins
Mental rumination, the cyclical and repetitive fixation on negative thoughts and emotions, is a major obstacle to living in the present moment. It has the insidious power to pull people into a spiral of distress and discontent, preventing them from fully engaging with the realities of the here and now. The practice of mindfulness and present-centered awareness provides a potent antidote to the attractive but destructive pull of mental rumination. By learning to observe the movements of the mind with a compassionate and nonjudgmental attitude, people can begin to release themselves from the grip of incessant rumination and create the mental space necessary to be more fully present in their daily experiences.
Breaking free from the patterns of mental rumination requires a dedicated and ongoing commitment to cultivating a more balanced and harmonious relationship with our thoughts and emotions. It involves cultivating a gentle but purposeful inner posture that allows people to disentangle themselves from the web of repetitive thinking and redirect their attention to the richness of the present moment. With practice, the inescapable pull of rumination begins to lose its power, paving the way for a greater sense of mental clarity, emotional equanimity and a greater ability to live in the present moment.
Cultivating Mindfulness: Cultivating present-centered awareness
At the heart of living in the here and now is the practice of cultivating mindfulness, a state of open and receptive awareness that focuses on the present experience, free of judgment and worry. This practice encourages people to fix their attention on the continuous flow of sensations in the present moment, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the richness of their immediate experience. By training the mind to remain firmly in the here and now, people can gradually improve their ability to savor the beauty of simple everyday experiences and to engage more deeply and authentically with the world around them.
Although cultivating mindfulness may seem challenging in a world characterized by incessant distractions and competing demands, it is a skill that can be developed and strengthened through dedicated practice and perseverance. Simple yet powerful mindfulness exercises such as mindful breathing, sensory awareness and reflective observation are invaluable tools for honing the ability to maintain focused attention in the present amidst the various comings and goings of daily life. By integrating these practices into our daily routines, we lay the foundation for a deeper and more intimate relationship with the present moment, thus enriching our overall experience of life.
Building self-esteem and prioritizing well-being: The path to a fulfilling present
Taking care of our self-esteem and well-being is a vital aspect of living in the here and now, as it forms the basis from which we relate to the world and construct our experience of reality. When people are trapped in a cycle of self-criticism, self-doubt or a relentless pursuit of unattainable standards, they are unable to fully embrace and savor the opportunities and blessings that the present moment offers. Cultivating a compassionate and affirming stance toward oneself, as well as prioritizing activities and relationships that foster authentic joy and fulfillment, are essential steps on the path to a more present and enriching way of being.
By consciously taking care of our self-esteem and overall well-being, we create a firm foundation that supports our ability to fully engage in the present moment. This may involve setting healthy boundaries, engaging in self-care practices, seeking support from loved ones, and making choices that align with our deepest values and aspirations. As we strengthen our inner resources and establish a sense of groundedness and security in ourselves, we naturally become more adept at navigating the ebb and flow of daily life with a greater sense of ease and presence.
Embracing the call to live fully in the present
The call to live fully in the present serves as an invitation to embrace the richness and fullness of each moment, and to approach life with a deep sense of reverence and gratitude. While the pervasive demands and distractions of contemporary society can pose significant challenges to maintaining a focused awareness of the present, the rewards of wholeheartedly committing to the here and now are limitless. By heeding this call and committing to the practice of mindfulness and living in the present moment, individuals can embark on a transformative journey toward inner peace, authentic fulfillment and a deep attunement to the wondrous tapestry of life.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of daily existence, it is essential to remember that the choice to be present is not a one-time decision, but an ongoing and evolving commitment. Through dedicated practice, self-compassion and a deep understanding of the value of living in the present, we can gradually unravel the layers of mental distraction and preoccupation, and step more fully into the limitless expanse of the present moment. In doing so, we open ourselves to a life imbued with clarity, vitality and an abiding sense of connection to the magnificent unfolding of each moment.
Practical Guidance for Embracing the Present Moment
Embracing the present moment, with all its complexities and nuances, can seem like a daunting task, especially in the face of numerous external and internal demands. However, there are several practical and empowering steps people can take to foster a more present-centered way of being amidst the various responsibilities and distractions of daily life. From incorporating brief mindfulness exercises into our daily routines to consciously setting aside time to live unadulterated in the present moment experiences, the path to living in the present is built on a foundation of deliberate choices and consistent practice. By exploring and integrating the following practical guidelines, individuals can begin to forge a deeper, more intimate connection with the limitless possibilities of the here and now.
The first practical step on the path to acceptance of the present moment is to cultivate a daily mindfulness practice. This may involve devoting a few minutes a day to sitting meditation, mindful breathing exercises, or cultivating a gentle and open awareness of one’s immediate surroundings. By establishing a space and time dedicated to cultivating mindfulness focused on the present, individuals lay the foundation for a more seamless and integrated experience of mindfulness in their daily lives. You can start meditating for free with Wake Up Here
Another vital aspect of cultivating a present-centered way of being is the conscious allocation of time for undistracted and fully engaged experiences. This may involve setting aside set periods of time for activities that bring genuine joy and satisfaction, such as engaging in meaningful conversations, savoring the beauty of nature, or wholeheartedly participating in creative or recreational activities. By deliberately creating opportunities for unfiltered and unfettered present-moment experiences, people can begin to become familiar with the innate capacity to engage deeply and profoundly with the richness of life.
In addition, the practice of living in the present is deeply interrelated with cultivating self-awareness and fostering a compassionate, nonjudgmental stance toward one’s thoughts and emotions. By developing an ongoing, mindful relationship with the ebb and flow of our inner experiences, people can begin to free themselves from the grip of habitual reactivity and create the inner space for a more deliberate and mindful engagement with the present moment. This process of self-inquiry and emotional attunement serves as a fundamental building block in the practice of living in the present and nurturing a more harmonious and authentic way of being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living in the present moment is crucial to truly experiencing life and finding inner peace. It is easy to get caught up in thoughts about the past or the future, but it is important to learn to focus on the here and now. By investing our time wisely, practicing mindfulness and prioritizing our self-esteem, we can learn to be present in everyday activities and lead a more mindful existence. It can be challenging to keep our mind in the present, but the rewards of living fully in the here and now are worth it. Remember, the past is behind us and the future is yet to come, but the present is where we really live. So let’s embrace it and make the most of every moment.
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