“Be Here Now”
Finding peace in the present
“Be Here Now,” said the well-known spiritual teacher Ram Dass. It’s a profoundly simple teaching yet, if we’re being honest, incredibly difficult to achieve. To be fully present in this moment, we must let go of being stuck in the past or worrying about the future. It sounds straightforward, but how often do we really manage to live this way?
Why is “Now” So Hard to Capture?
We’re constantly replaying yesterday’s regrets or anxiously planning for tomorrow. Think about it how often do you find yourself dwelling on a past mistake? Maybe a conversation you wish had gone differently? Or perhaps you’re already stressing about next week’s to-do list? These mental habits pull us away from where life actually happens: in the present.
Let’s say you’re enjoying a sunset. But instead of soaking in the colors, you’re thinking, “I should’ve taken that job,” or “What if I’m not where I need to be in five years?” And just like that, the sunset the now slips away unnoticed.
How Can We Start “Being Here Now”?
The key is to notice. The moment you catch your mind wandering, gently bring yourself back. You don’t need to force anything; simply notice and return. This is where patience and practice come in. No one masters being present overnight. It’s a process, like learning to ride a bike.
Example #1:
Imagine sitting at a coffee shop, drinking your favorite latte. Instead of zoning out on your phone or worrying about the work piling up, try focusing on the aroma, the warmth of the cup, and the taste. For those few moments, allow yourself to just be with the coffee no past or future needed.
Example #2:
Picture yourself in a traffic jam. Instead of spiraling into frustration over the delay, try focusing on the sound of the music in your car, or the feeling of the seat supporting your back. Little moments like these add up.
The Vision of Heaven on Earth: Peace in the Now
For many, peace of heart and mind sounds like heaven on earth and the good news is that it’s achievable. But peace isn’t something we stumble upon; it’s something we cultivate. To truly be at peace, we must practice releasing all other moments, both past and future, and focus on this moment. Right here. Right now.
It might feel daunting, but every moment is a chance to practice. Each time you bring your attention back to the present, you’re one step closer to peace. You don’t have to be perfect at it you just have to be willing.
Wishing You Peace, Right Now
So, as you continue through your day, try this: let go of what’s not here. Release the weight of yesterday and the worry of tomorrow, even for just a minute. Be here now, in this moment. Feel the peace it brings.
And remember, peace is not a destination it’s the journey itself. Wishing you peace on your journey in this moment, the next, and ever more.
Take a breath. Be here. Now.
Sources
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