Be Here Now

In our fast-paced world filled with constant distractions and stressors, it can be challenging to stay present and focused in the moment. It's easy to get caught up in worries about the future, regrets about the past or simply to let our minds wander off to anything and everything except for what is happening right in front of us.

In the midst of this, there is a powerful idea that has gained popularity over the past several decades: "Be here now." This simple phrase encapsulates the idea that the present moment is all we have, and that we should focus our attention and energy on being fully present in the here and now. I don’t know about you but I’ve never been to the future or the past- but the present moment is always right where I am.

At its core, the concept of "Be here now" is about mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment without judgment. It involves being fully engaged with our current experience, whether that's watching a sunset, having a conversation, driving in traffic or noticing the various physical sensations in our body.

One of the benefits of mindfulness is that it can help us to reduce stress and anxiety. I like to think of mindfulness as natural anxiety medication. When we're focused on the present moment, we're not worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. We're simply experiencing what is happening right now. That’s it. This can be incredibly calming and grounding, especially in moments where we feel overwhelmed or anxious.

In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness can also help us to be more productive and effective in our daily lives. When we're focused on the present moment, we're less likely to be distracted by other things. We're able to fully engage with the task at hand, whether that's work, driving, learning or engaging in a hobby.

Of course, being present in the moment is easier said than done. Our minds are wired to constantly search for new experiences and stimulation, and it can be difficult to resist the urge to check our phones, scroll through social media or think about anything other than what's happening right now.

But mindfulness is a skill that can be developed with practice. There are many different techniques and exercises that can help us to cultivate mindfulness, from simply becoming aware of your breathing when you are walking, showering, working or driving to more structured meditations. Whatever method you choose, the key is to make a commitment to being present in the moment and to intentionally direct your attention to what's happening right here and right now. Can you feel your foot on the ground?

The idea of "Be here now" is one that I have found helpful ever since reading Ram Dass’s book by the same title. It is a simple but powerful concept that can help us to live more fulfilling and mindful lives. By focusing our attention on the present moment and intentionally practicing mindfulness, we can reduce stress, improve productivity, combat anxiety and depression and bring a sense of mental health to our lives.

The Acceptance Of What Is

The acceptance of what is can be a difficult and challenging task for many of us. It can often feel counterintuitive to accept what is. It is human nature to resist change, to hold on to the past, and to try to control everything around us. However, the truth of the matter is that we cannot control everything, and we cannot change the past. When we accept what is, we are freeing ourselves from the constraints of trying to control the uncontrollable.

There are several ways in which the acceptance of what is can enhance our well-being. Firstly, accepting what is promotes inner calm and reduces anxiety. When we accept what is, we are no longer fighting against (or trying to escape) reality. We can let go of the constant need to control everything. This allows us to release the tension and stress that we’ve been holding onto and achieve a more peaceful state of mind.

Secondly, accepting what is can help us move forward and make positive changes. It is often when we are resisting reality that we become stuck, unwell and we cannot move forward. We keep trying to find happiness or well-being by striving for it rather than accepting what is and allowing the happiness or feelings of well-being to arise naturally. When we accept that something is (depression, anger, unhappiness, anxiety, illness, etc.) we can focus our energy and efforts on then gradually making positive changes in our lives. This enables us to find innovative solutions to our problems and take action towards achieving a better life for ourselves.

Moreover, accepting what is can also improve our relationships with others. When we resist reality, we tend to blame and criticize others for our problems, which can lead to arguments and misunderstandings. However, when we accept what is, we become more understanding and empathetic towards others, and we can work together to find solutions to our problems.

I have found that accepting what is is a crucial (and often counterintuitive) step towards achieving inner peace, moving forward, healing and building healthy relationships. It is not easy, but it is a skill that we can develop over time with practice and patience. By embracing what is, we can free ourselves from the constraints of control and resistance, open our minds and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.