The Present: How to Be In the Here and Now

What Are You Doing in The Present That You Will Regret Tomorrow?

“The Present” is an article designed to guide us in examining our current lives, understanding the significance of living in the moment, and learning how to fully engage with it. It explains why it’s crucial to be present and offers a method to help overcome profound fears and significantly lower stress.

WHAT IS THE PRESENT?

The present signifies the here and now. It’s about living in the moment, not dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. It involves concentrating on current events, people, places, and objects. For instance, consider what you are doing at this moment and give it your full attention. It’s not concerned with past actions or future plans, but with your immediate actions.

The present encompasses not just actions but also thoughts and words. What are you contemplating right now? What are you communicating to yourself or others at this moment? That is the essence of the present. It’s about embracing the now, rather than the past or the future. This doesn’t imply that the past is irrelevant; rather, it suggests that your current focus should be on the present.

It’s widely acknowledged that thoughts, words, and deeds are integral parts of our being, each with a past, present, and future. However, this discussion is centered on the present—our current thoughts, words, and actions. Initially, remaining present-minded may be challenging, but with practice, it becomes more manageable, and with each attempt, it gets easier.

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HOW TO BE IN THE PRESENT?

The tendency to dwell on the past or anticipate the future, rather than concentrating on the present, is a common challenge. However, there are various methods and techniques to help us focus on the here and now. These methods vary from person to person. I will share my approach with you and am eager to hear your thoughts at the end of this article.

Choosing to be in the here and now is an intentional act, as we often naturally reflect on our past. It’s infrequent that we ponder the uncertain future. Many people live in the past every single day. The stories we recount are all set in the past. Even today will soon become yesterday, right? The present remains unseen until it has passed, which I believe is a reason for our regrets.

By dedicating sufficient time to the present, we can make better decisions in the moment, leading to fewer regrets in the future. This underscores the importance of increasingly focusing on the here and now to prevent regrets.

While this focus may sometimes occur spontaneously, I consciously choose to think about the present. I believe this is the first step in any technique. I achieve this by seeking solitude in a quiet place, like a nearby bush or forest. As I wander, I concentrate on what I observe in the current moment.

Occasionally, while in Nairobi, I retreat to my room to contemplate the present moment. This may involve observing my reflection in a mirror or gazing out at the cityscape, taking in the sights of houses, birds, people, and animals. By doing so, I anchor myself in the present, aligning my thoughts, words, and actions with the immediate reality.

Yet, this does not prevent the mind from drifting across time, revisiting the past, pondering the present, and projecting into the future. Looking at Nairobi’s skyline often prompts me to wonder, “How long until Juba resembles this?” At that moment, my thoughts are no longer anchored in the present but have traveled back to my home capital.

Even as I pen these words, my mind is not consistently fixed on the now. The human mind is a complex, almost spiritual entity, capable of existing in several temporal dimensions simultaneously. So, is it truly impossible to remain in the present? The answer is both yes and no. It is feasible to live in the moment, but it requires deliberate effort. Despite our intentions, we may find ourselves oscillating between past, future, and present. We can achieve momentary presence by concentrating on ourselves, others, objects, events, and the specific locations we inhabit.

WHY TO BE IN THE PRESENT?

The purpose of existing in the here and now is to move beyond a troubled past. It involves focusing on the present, a time not yet marred by negative memories, and taking action to avoid future regrets.

Yet, merely concentrating on the present is futile without faith in a being who governs the past, present, and future—God. Regardless of belief, God’s sovereignty is a stark reality. Our gaze should not be inward but upward, trusting in God’s guidance of our current existence.

Living in the moment and seeking divine assistance to excel are the optimal ways to remain purposeful in the present. This purpose stems from the belief that life has meaning. Abandoning the present renders the future bleak, placing our hope and trust in divine providence.

Our reliance on God is not merely to gain favor or protection; it is intrinsic to our nature. We acknowledge that God crafted our lives and comprehends us more profoundly than we or others could. Thus, even our immediate existence is under divine care, with the future remaining uncertain.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING IN THE PRESENT?

Contemplating the ‘here and now’ is indeed significant. Focusing on the present aids in prioritizing current matters. Multitasking is generally unhealthy and not advisable, despite our minds wandering. Concentrating on the present is crucial.

Being present enhances self-understanding. It allows introspection from a current standpoint rather than past experiences or an uncertain future. Thus, the importance of the ‘here and now’ extends beyond what can be expressed here. Your thoughts on this are welcome in the comments below.

Concentrating on the present reveals our progress and the journey ahead, despite being unaware of future events. This practice instills confidence in our existence and readiness to enhance our lives, minimizing future regrets.

Focusing on the present fosters self-appreciation, gratitude for others, and contentment with our abilities, identities, and possessions. It enables us to value our current location and accessible resources.

FINAL WORDS

Consider what is before you at this moment. It may be what your eyes physically see, or it could be a vision in your mind. What is within your reach right now? It might be an object, a location, a notion, or something tangible. Who is in your presence? Perhaps it’s a stranger, a friend, a coworker, or a family member.

As you observe your current surroundings, pause to reflect on the present. In this moment of mindfulness, express gratitude to God for everything around you, whether beneficial or challenging. If you find yourself in peril, seek God’s deliverance. Should you be entangled in a harmful relationship, it’s imperative to extricate yourself immediately. I have faith that God will heed your prayers if they align with His divine plan, as He did for me when I faced perilous situations.

God’s intervention was a miraculous escape for me. He is capable of doing the same for you if you ask Him, believing in His power to act. I hope this article, “The Present,” has been of personal benefit to you. If so, I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below. Your feedback is greatly valued and will help enhance this and future articles. Wishing you and your loved ones safety and peace during and beyond the global pandemic. Shalom!