“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.”
– Corrie Ten Boom
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Alright, let's wander through the peaceful yet also practically useful world of staying present in the midst of an uncertain future.
Why?
Well, I have to tell you, there is no such thing as a certain future. Really. It’s all just a guess, a maybe, a possibility.
Why spend so much time in a maybe? I get it – plan, yes; but live now.
I get a crystal ball would be nice, but since they don't exist (please tell me if you have one!), face the future with the clarity and energy and awareness you gain from being present.
This is a place of certainty, but strength too. This is the place where you can devote yourself to what you can do, not what you can’t.
One of the reasons I dove into my spiritual practice of Ascension was precisely because, as the lovely Mark Twain once wrote, “I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which have never happened.”
I’m sure I’m talking to the converted, but I spent so much energy and sleeplessness and “what if’s?” and “what then’s?” – on stuff that was all a dream. I wasted so much of my life, lost thinking. And I don’t know about you, but I don't have that much life to waste!
So.
The future barges in, all mysterious and unpredictable. (Not in reality mind, but in your imagination as we’ve been talking.) What do you do?
You stay present, my wonderous companion!
Instead of getting tangled up in a web of worry and anxiety about what might unfold, take a deep breath, relax, and focus on the here and now.
It's a much calmer approach than stressing about what's to come. No one needs that drama.
By staying present, you can fully embrace this, here, now. Instead of thinking your way through life, feel, listen, touch, see and smell your way.
Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, savour that brew in your hands, appreciate the small joys that make life beautiful. It's like hitting the pause button on all the chaos and simply relishing the present.
Notice your intuition, your soul speaking. Here the signal clears. Here you have wisdom. But you have to get present before you can hear!
Returning to now will cultivate a sense of peace and mindfulness within you. You'll have better control over your thoughts, able to let go of worries with ease.
If you’ve been watching my social media reels lately, you’ll have heard me talk about how a big chunk of this practice is all about gaining distance from your thoughts and feelings.
In this, you’re learning that your thoughts are not truths. In fact, what you’re seeing is history. You’re seeing old stuff – and by waking up, stepping back and being aware, you get to see that you don’t have to automatically follow along.
You have choice. You won’t be afraid or angry by the content of your own mind. This alone is such a huge deal.
Don’t forget the power of connection.
Truly listening and being able to deeply connect with the moment and and the people it contains, especially in this time of fractured attention spans, is a serious superpower.
By staying present, you can truly engage with the people around you. You'll become a great listener, skilled at making others feel valued, a valued guide and a wonderful companion to have.
So next time the future knocks, don't fret.
Just take a deep breath, stay present, and know life is unpredictable. But in that, who knows what adventures await?
Truly. One thing's for certain – by being present, you'll be ready to face whatever comes your way and not miss out on all the glory and magic of life as it passes by.
Let me know how you get on, okay?
And seriously, if you want the tools and the teachings to really make being present a way of life and being worried a memory, come and learn Ascension (remember, it’s always free to repeat).
It really is the business. Get in touch for more details.
Go well,
Arjuna
PS.
If you’re in and about Richmond, N Yorks, I have 2 meditation and mindfulness workshops in July.
All proceeds are going to charity – so if you feel to, help me spread the word.
Comment “Interested” or message me and I’ll get all the details to you!