‘Here and now’ over ‘there and then’

Being 'here and now' helps! That's how I could capture this beautiful view right out of my window, while tuned to my usual routine of just another day :) 

  There is something inspiring about a new beginning that drives us to stay true to beneficial changes. Another way of saying – ‘New Year is the perfect opportunity to make resolutions’. Now, I am yet to test the power of my determination because like most of you, my New Year resolutions disappear into thin air by the second or third week of the month. But there is no harm in making attempts and when life throws in sunshine, why not bask under the glory for a short-while?

  Keeping this determination alive, I am prompted to be ‘here and now’ rather than being ‘there and then’. Why this trick game with prepositions, you ask? Or why this sudden inclination towards ‘Zen’ like experiences?  The answer lies in an unexplainable form of happiness derived in the span of short moments. In the usual race of life, we tend to live less and worry more. If you break down the actual active moments of your life – you realize most of them are spent in anticipation of what happens next? And for those of you who seek some form of assurance in memories- it is spent in evaluating the past. It applies to both the good and bad. If we are planning for a joyous event or looking forward to a fun trip- our mind takes us on several imaginative rides before it actually happens. On the other hand, if we are about to embark a new project, we think about all the possible ‘worst-case’ scenarios under the pretext of ‘being prepared’. But is there a need for all of this? Can we make an attempt of not thinking and just doing? Is it possible to live in the moment rather than imagining days, weeks or months ahead without any reality quotient?

  This is an open question without any right/wrong answers. What it needs is a determination to be where you are supposed to be. Why worry about something way ahead into the future when you know things may not work as per your imagination? Why be happy about that upcoming party before it actually happens and squeeze out all the juice? 

   I agree being ‘here and now’ or taking everything that the present has to offer is not as simple as resolving to spend more time with family or promising to call your friends more often. It is much more complicated and fails due to the complex nature of our mind. The ability to think, analyze, process and experience makes our mind quite different at every level. It cannot ‘not think’ and ‘just live’ for it has many responsibilities to its name. Also, I cannot possibly advocate just live because we need to process our life in an organized way to enjoy the opportunity. But, what I strongly believe is that we must make an attempt to think only when required. Do not imagine/worry/expect and assume things beyond your control. Plan as much as needed and leave the rest to the actual event. I am not sure how much of this resolution will work for me because I may end up jumping at the first opportunity to overthink. But all of this overthinking does more harm than good. It turns into a habit that drives you to avoid the present under the disguise of doing something constructive for the future. Rather, we can resolve to include a dedicated ‘planning’ slot in our schedule where we think about ‘to-do’ things for the future. Instead of distracting the present for the future, we must learn to be here and now. The ability to take the present moment in its complete stride prepares us to be truly happy.

  I realize a hint of philosophy in this concept because it is easier to preach but much difficult to follow. But since we must start somewhere, I resolve to be attentive to the present. By savoring every moment of our life with a conscious mind, we only add happiness to the journey. It is not possible to quit thinking or not worry about how things shape up. But it is still possible to embrace the good and bad with an open attitude. There is no alternative way to avoid tears, sorrow or disappointment. Being in the moment does not make one immune to every emotion. It only makes us more receptive to every experience with open arms.

   I believe being here and now is the way to enjoy life as it unfolds. I am not against planning because that is the way to ensure smooth journey in our course. But I feel alien about overthinking how life will turn out to be? Why can’t we go with the flow and experience things in the raw form in the way they are meant to be? Why imagine, analyze, fear, worry, bother about a future event only to spoil the reality of present. Living in the past or dreaming about the future is the perfect way to escape the present. No wonder it turns into a good escape route to avoid all the chaos of here and now. 

  

  Live in the moment to understand how everything is important for our being. Focus on the things within our reach rather than regret at a later stage. The classic example of this reality is our school life. When we struggle with studies in school, we dream of being independent and free as adults and not worry about exams. But only when that reality stands right in front, we miss all those carefree moments of childhood. Though we would know it right then and there that adult life will bring its own baggage, we cannot resist thinking about freedom. This thought process translates to every situation in our journey where we assume happiness on the other side of the bridge, while failing to observe the bridge as we go.

I believe constant reminders can prompt my mind to focus on the present and stay in the moment, though it will want to do everything otherwise. While it will definitely depend on the situation, it is important to be here and now as much as possible.

 What is your take on the thought? Will you elect more planning and less living? Is over-analysis an essential activity on your to-do list or will you leave it to time? Does it make you feel in control when you plan every single detail or do you believe in the surprise element of circumstances?