Discussion on essays
Phoen...@gmail.com
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**PLEASE NOTE: I am not a medical or mental health professional. I do,
however, have some experience in spiritual mentoring. This essay is
based on my own personal experiences and growth. Thank you for
reading.
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How often do we find ourselves dwelling on past events in our lives,
or worrying about future outcomes? I am just as guilty of this as
everyone else. Through personal experience during my spiritual growth,
however, I am discovering that by focusing on the moment, happiness
and a clear mind are very easily within reach.
I am not suggesting in any way that the past events of our lives
should be forgotten or ignored. We are who we are now because of our
past thoughts and actions. We should remember our past without
becoming absorbed by it, however. For example, dwelling on missed
opportunities (example: Why didn't I take that job?) or beating up
oneself over past choices are counter-productive. Past events only
have as much power as we give them. Although the past be a wonderful
teacher, we can accomplish so much more by focusing our energy on the
present, rather than reliving past events, or worrying about the
future.
Of course, planning future events in our lives is very important and
necessary. Next winter's cruise to Cozumel, for example, needs some
planning. Selecting the proper retirement plan early in life is also
very prudent. When worry and fear enter the mind, then that's when our
energy is mis-directed. For example, while driving to work, how often
have we thought to ourselves how much we dislike our job, or were
impatient on the way home during a traffic jam? My hand is raised to
both of these scenarios. These two examples have caused me much grief
and uneasiness in the past. I am finding out for myself, however, that
much of this fear and worry can be redirected in a positive way by
asking myself this question: What can I do NOW to make this moment a
great one?
I used to allow past events in my own life to haunt me and dictate my
mood. "Why didn't I continue college and do something else with my
life?" frequently exited my lips. Even though I cannot change the
past, dwelling on it will not accomplish one positive thing. By
applying this philosophy, I now use these past events to fuel my
present inspirations. I'm 33 years old; I'm not old, and I have ample
time to change my life's course. By focusing on the present, I am
putting all of my heart and soul into my writing, which is bringing me
feelings of tremendous joy and accomplishment. Living in the past can
only hold us back. I choose to live in the moment, and make the most
of the "now moment". Looking into our future with worry and concern
also causes us to loose track of what we can do right now in the
present.
Whenever I feel worried, I ask myself that question: What can I do now
to make this moment a great one?
For example, while sitting in a traffic jam, I don't get angry at the
other drivers, nor do I worry about arriving at my destination late.
The other drivers do not want to be stuck in traffic, so why be angry
at them? We have no control over the actual traffic flow, however, we
are capable of enjoying the moment. One can create a happy moment by
doing something as basic as finding enjoyable music on the radio, or
by calling a good friend on the phone. This applies to my job example
as well. Rather than stew in hatred for my job, I ask myself what I
can do right now to make this moment a great moment. The result: I put
all of my effort into whatever task I am performing and do a thorough,
complete job. Lately I've been finishing my jobs early, and have
requested additional work orders during the afternoon. I end my day
feeling like I've accomplished much, because all of that energy went
into my work efforts. Now, isn't this better than moping and thinking
about how mundane or boring work can be? That is what I mean by
focusing on the moment.
In conclusion, I recommend that my readers apply this principle to at
least one thing today. Not only can this bring more happiness and joy,
it also allows a clearer perspective on how to handle situations. The
mind is no longer racing through time, so to speak, and facing so many
negative emotions. In my personal experiences this has been extremely
powerful and life-changing. The moment that counts the most is already
here. So, go out and make today an awesome day.