In our daily activities, we weave together the past, present and future. Of the three, the present is magic. Our here and now is where we live. It indeed holds the key to our well-being and balance. The joy in life is staying in the moment!
Over a thousand years ago, Lao Tzu wrote, “If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” The truth is, our now is an emotionally safe place in which we have the power to make a positive difference in our lives and the power to resolve issues and to find joy.
Understanding our ourselves and others takes place, in fact, in the present – a place of simplicity, reflection and peace. Leaders who attend fully to the experience of the present are better able to relate and communicate and build meaningful relationships.
In the present, leaders are in control; resolving problems, conflicts, miscommunications and repairing organizational damage is optimal when done quickly in the present. The facts are, leaders are in the relationship business. Both internal and external.
Learning to forgive and accept others is a gift that melts bad feelings and enhances trust. The sins of the past will not build a better future. The present is where both professional and personal growth blooms. Indeed, life unfolds in front of us in the present. However, quite often we let the present slip away, allowing days to fly by unobserved and unseized upon. It is my professional and personal opinion that meaningful work helps us all live in the present.
I love the lyric from a Dionne Warwick song, “A fool we lose tomorrow, reaching back for yesterday.”
Is it ok for each of us, to stop and to focus on just being in the moment?
Being in the moment means being mindful and accepting the here and now. Mindful people (employees) enjoy life more, are happier, more energetic and more empathetic.
Focusing on the present moment also forces us to stop overthinking. Many of us beat ourselves up over past mistakes and worry about the future. With this mindset, we lose the joy of experiencing life in the here and now.
As Mark Twain said, “I have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.”
When we dive into the awareness of the present moment, our worries tend to melt away! Life is to be savored in the present. Focusing on the present reboots our minds and emotions, and thus allows us to respond thoughtfully rather than be on auto-pilot.
When we live in the present, we feel more connected to the people around us, which decreases the negative side of one’s ego. The magic of being in the moment creates a feeling of awe and we enjoy the wonder of life. It makes us feel more grateful.
Here is some wisdom from Buddha, “Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
We only have control of the here and now. For all of us enjoying life’s most special moments takes focused effort. Leaders can control the “corporate weather” by being more thankful for the people they lead.
Learning to stay in the moment gives us happiness. Aristotle labels happiness as “The Chief Good.” This is the end toward which all other things aim.
When we are appreciated and are listened to in any relationship – at home or at work – we are more likely to be content (perhaps happy), which helps us to focus on the task at hand. Indeed, a wandering mind tends to be an unhappy mind.
“What day is it?”
“It’s today!” Squeaked Piglet
“My favorite day!” Said Pooh
In all honesty, I struggle each day to stay in the moment. But as the years pass, I am getting better at it! To stay in the moment reduces the regrets we will have later in life.
Remember the wisdom of James Taylor: “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.”
