Living in the now

We are alive. There is no doubt about that. 

But are you conscious? Are you awake? Or does the world go by in a blur, without you noticing all its beauty and splendor? Are you only awake sometimes, only aware of the surrounding world once in a while?

To be truly conscious, or mindful as some call it nowadays, you must be in the NOW. It’s hard, as we humans tend to jump from thoughts about the past, to the past, and then reflect all our hopes, expectations and fears onto the future. We are busier with mentally analyzing the past and creating all sorts of possible outcomes for the future then that we are living in the present.

What I love about the word present is that it has a double meaning;

• Present, the period of time now occurring.
• Present, a gift.

The present, this right moment, is a gift. You have nothing else but this right moment. You might think, well, I have a car, a house, a family, money etc. But actually, all that wouldn't be able to exist without the present moment!

Isn't that just beautiful? I find it a beautiful idea. And it’s a powerful idea. Because once you realize that NOW is all there is, you will be filled with awe and marvel, and feel a lot more grateful and awake.

Why not try it? Feel conscious about the fact that all there is is the present moment, and that you should accept it as a gift. Expand your being, until you feel so calm, so deeply in harmony, that it becomes like a meditative state of mind. It’s a little hard at the beginning, but once you get the trick, its fun. And better even, it’s healthy. People who live in the present moment are in general happier!! Now, who doesn’t want that!? http://www.ted.com/talks/matt_killingsworth_want_to_be_happier_stay_in_the_moment.html

But, besides being in the present, there are more fun things to do! Why not try observing our surroundings? Go outside, and observe something that is insignificant for you. Something you walk past often, and never have taken the time for to see nor observe it. It could be a stone, a little feather or even just drops of water. Observe it. Describe what it looks like, where it might have come from, and just look. Does it still seem insignificant to you?

We are surrounded by beauty. Not once or twice a day. Every single moment is beautiful, alive, and joyful. If you feel down, maybe it’s because you’re letting the present slip away while your mind is too busy with the past and future.

Besides, not all people value beauty in the simple things surrounding us. In this period of human history, in which we are bombed with endless pictures and movies of the most beautiful places on earth, we forget to be humble. We forget that beauty is in life itself. We make ourselves believe that the only beauty that surrounds us is found in dazzling sunsets, perfect white beaches and picturesque landscapes.  

Beauty is found in life itself. And so is joy. Beauty and joy is found in Nature. Live in the moment, and don’t waste your years wondering in the past or worrying about the future. 

I have added a few nice quotes to this text , plus a couple of photo's, to show the beauty of the nature that surrounds us. 

Namaste