by frugalrvers
Many people have heard the term to live in the moment or do not dwell in the past - but it is easier said than done. We can become stuck from reliving past events each day. We also can spend so much time thinking happiness lies in the future (or worrying about the future) that life passes us by.
Let's look at some living in the moment quotes and take time to think about them...in the present, of course!
Quotes about living in the moment on a poster, mug or shirt are great reminders each day about how we should be living our lives. But they won't mean much if we don't make a determined effort each day to stay centered in the here and now...and it is NOT EASY to do. Like learning to play an instrument, it takes time and continual practice to improve on this skill.
For me, I work well with imagery - so when I decided that I needed a true change and to live in the present, I decided to use a teeter-totter as my visual guide. If I stepped too far one way (into the past) I would fall off or struggle to keep balanced. If I went too far the other way (the future) I would also experience stress and anxiety while falling out of balance. So my goal was to visualize myself perfectly balanced in the middle (the present).
When I feel that stress, anxiety or discomfort creep up, I see that as my cue. I see myself beginning to lean too far in one direction or another, then I do what it takes to get back in the center.
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Everyone, at some point or another, gets "stuck" in the past. Even the way we react to people in the present can be molded by experiences that happened years ago.
Look at some of these following examples which are possible ways you or someone you know might be dwelling in the past:
One good hint to see if dwelling in the past is a problem for you is to pay attention to your thoughts and your communication with others:
All of these are ways you can be "stuck" - it is time to let go because the past cannot be changed.
Constantly thinking about the future is another way we avoid living in the moment. Some people think the only "harmful" way of doing this is through worrying about things that may happen. However, believing your true happiness only lies in your future plans can be just as damaging. Consider the following scenarios:
So if you find yourself in any of these examples, consider this question: what if tomorrow never comes? What if you have spent your entire life either worrying, waiting or BOTH? It is important to let go of not only the past but to also "let go" of the future, if either keeps you from living in this exact moment.
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Even the most beautiful and serene of settings can be overlooked when unable to cease living in the past or future. This photo I took of Kintla Lake In Glacier Park is one of my favorite places. Just sitting by the lake brings immediate peace to my world.
Now picture sitting in this setting - what would go through your mind? Would you truly be in the moment, taking it all in? Or would you.....
Sitting at the edge of all of this beauty is the perfect time to practice being in the moment. Appreciating that at this very minute you are alive and able to enjoy such serenity.But I've seen people arrive here with their "baggage" - and how unfortunate that they miss out on the magic and the gift that this environment can give to the spirit.
We have looked at the simplistic view of staying in the present, instead of living in the past or the future. To take it a step further, make it a goal to achieve mindfulness and start enjoying every moment you are given while on this planet.
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I try very hard to stay in the present. Past mistakes and worries of the future do invade my peace of mind but I do try. Great article and great quotes!
Thank you for such a sweet comment, Brenda. It is a challenge...and I hope I made it clear that I am far from mastering it!! But I do try everyday to appreciate the here and now...it is the only thing we know for certain, isn't it?
This is a wonderful article. It's something I need to work on. I used to live in the future a lot. I don't do that anymore. When my children were babies and older. I would think to myself, this is the best time of my life. I need to savor it. Now I wish I could go back and live it over again. I can't believe they're grown with children of their own.