We let so much of our mental energy become engulfed by the past and the future. Instead of enjoying a shower after a long day, we conspire about what we could have said back to that one person. Instead of appreciating the presence of friends, we are consumed with what assignments need to be done.
It’s easy to get swept away by the precarious nature of the future. If you’re like me, you become completely infatuated with setting yourself up on the proper trajectory for the life you desire. It’s easy, in the same way, to be attached to the past. Would you even be human if you didn’t question every decision you’ve ever made? Why did I say that…do that…wear that? These remnants of the past and promises for the future can cloud our enjoyment of the present.
In January of this year I began meditating daily, and to be perfectly honest, it started out as a joke. While this is pretty embarrassing to admit, I bought one of those self-help books off of Urban Outfitters in a period of bad judgment, and I started reading during my meditations because I had trouble maintaining my focus. To my surprise, the book would completely reconstruct my image of the world. As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, the question I’m constantly asking myself is, when will I be happy? When will it be “my turn?” However, happiness can only be achieved by fully living in the present, not lending your attention to the past or future. Like anything, this is a lot easier to say than it is to do. I have to challenge myself every day to live in the moment, and I challenge you to do the same.