I’m excited to bring you Part 2 in this Living in the Present series. If you haven’t read the first article, you can read it here: Living in the Present, Part 1: Unpack Your Bags. We discussed the importance of “unpacking our bags” by letting go of the past. Reliving these memories of the past keeps us from enjoying life right now.
The next step in fully Living in the Present is…releasing your future. Being present does not mean being in denial. It does mean, not living in the past or attempting to control the future.
How long have you been in-flight?
Think of the future like flying a plane. When we are “in-flight” and constantly thinking about our next step…tomorrow, next month, next year…we miss the incredible moments that are taking place right now. I understand… It can be challenging to turn this off. I too find myself planning the future (at times when it isn’t necessary or premature). We all do this, and planning has its benefits. However, if you’ve been in the air awhile, it’s time to prepare the plane for landing!
What is Your “Why”
I want you to ask yourself why. Why have you’ve been flying? Are you unhappy in your current circumstances? Has fear created a need to control the future instead of allowing life to unfold as it should? There are many reasons why we feel the need to live in the future. What is your “why”?
Unnecessary Thoughts
Let’s begin by removing those unnecessary thoughts, especially negative fears of the future. We tend to wrap ourselves up in certain events that may happen. When we are in those moments we allow our outer purpose to take over and we lose sight of our inner purpose. God then ceases to be a reality in our life and we are left with only a concept of God. Remember, in the present moments is where God manifests Himself which is where the fullness of joy is available. To walk and enjoy life, one must be present with themselves.
Unnecessary Concern
Another type of concern about the future is when we dwell on major upcoming decisions. We tend to focus heavily on one particular decision without resolve. This practice creates unnecessary worry and concern. So, how can we choose to feel calm and complete? How can we make the best of each moment as it is (despite these unresolved decisions)?
An easy way to get started is to set a specific date and time when you can sit down and freely focus on making this decision. If you begin thinking about it before then…STOP. Edify yourself by saying, “I choose to enjoy the present and trust that the future will unfold as it should. I have the wisdom and guidance I need to handle whatever happens.”
We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. – Joseph Campbell
Land the Plane
There are 3 statements that can serve as reminders and motivate us to stay present.
- Embrace your purpose. There is a plan and you are here for a purpose. Choose to release control of everything around you and welcome the love and joy that the present brings. Trust that God can and will meet every need.
- Love the process. Stop pushing and simply let God be God. Life is a process…a journey. The fullness of life is waiting to be unleashed. When we learn to appreciate and love the journey, new and miraculous things begin to happen. Life isn’t about getting to the finish line; it’s about enjoying the path that gets us there.
- Just be. The Present is what it is and what is, is the Present. When we silence our mind, we can truly live in the present. When we are truly living in the present, we are living within our soul. Your destiny was planned before the foundations of this earth. Trust the Source and enjoy what has been laid out before you. Appreciate the highs and the lows because they are both preparing you for your glorious future.
Remember, living in the present is a practice. Eckhart Tolle says, “When you are present, when your attention is fully in the Now, that Presence will flow into and transform what you do. There will be quality and power in it. You are present when what you are doing is not primarily a means to an end but fulfilling in itself, when there is joy and aliveness in what you do.”
Welcome to the joy of living,
