A Meditation on Embracing Here and Now

Daily writing prompt

What are you most excited about for the future?

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The question of what excites us about the future is an old, boring one.

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It speaks to many people’s inherent yearning, their desire to transcend the limitations of the present and glimpse a brighter tomorrow.

Yet, for me, the answer is a really simple one: nothing.

This isn’t a nihilistic declaration, but rather a conscious choice to find fulfillment in the impermanence of the present moment. This philosophy resonates deeply with Buddhist teachings and certain strands of existentialism.

The Duality of Time: A Buddhist Lens

In Buddhism, the concept of time is not linear. The past is a collection of memories, ever-shifting and unreliable. The future is an illusion, a mirage shimmering in the desert of our desires. Clinging to either, the past with regret or the future with longing, is the root of suffering.

The Buddha, in the Bhaddekarattasutta, reminds us: “The past is long gone. The future is not yet to be. What is there is the present. This present moment”.

Here, the present isn’t a fleeting point, but a dynamic space where the past and future converge. It’s the fertile ground where mindfulness blossoms, allowing us to cultivate peace and liberation.

This perspective finds resonance in all Buddhist teachings, particularly the concept of अनिच्च – anicca, the impermanence of all things. The past is a fleeting memory, a collection of ever-changing moments that have solidified into a narrative, a lesson we have to learn. Conversely, the future is a nebulous cloud, pregnant with potential but shrouded in uncertainty.

To fixate on either is to grasp at smoke, to miss the vibrant richness of the present moment unfolding before us.

Think of a rushing river. The water you see now is not the same water that flowed a moment ago, nor is it the same water that will surge downstream. The river, like our lives, is a constant flow, a ceaseless becoming. To lament the bygone water or chase after the unknown current is to miss the invigorating rush of the present moment, the sensation of cool water on your skin, and the roar of the rapids in your ears.

Here, Buddhist philosophy also offers a powerful tool: mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the practice of anchoring oneself in the present moment, paying full attention to the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise without judgment. By focusing on the breath, the feel of your clothes against your skin, and the sounds around you, you cultivate a deep appreciation for the simple act of being.

This isn’t about ignoring the past or future, but rather about acknowledging them as fleeting phenomena and then gently bringing your attention back to the present experience.

Existential Authenticity and the Present Moment

Existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre emphasize our freedom and responsibility in a universe devoid of inherent meaning. We are “condemned to be free,” constantly creating ourselves through our choices. The future, then, is not a preordained script, but an open canvas waiting for our brushstrokes.

However, fixating on an imagined future can be a form of self-deception. It allows us to avoid the anxieties of the here and now, the burden of choice, and the responsibility of action. By embracing the present moment, we acknowledge our agency and the power to shape our reality, one mindful choice at a time.

Stoicism and Carpe Diem

There is another philosophical tradition outside of Buddhism that profoundly resonates with this embrace of the present.

The Stoics emphasized living following nature and accepting what is beyond our control, including the future. Their philosophy encourages us to focus on the present moment, where our actions and judgments reside.

Similarly, the Latin phrase carpe diem, which translates to seize the day, taken from book 1 of the Roman poet Horace’s work Odes, reminds us not to waste the precious gift of the present moment.

The Present: The Realm of Experience

The present moment isn’t a static snapshot. It’s a vibrant realm created with the sensations, perceptions, thoughts, and emotions of the actual instant. Focusing on the richness of this experience – the feel of the sun on your skin, the taste of a perfectly ripe berry, and the sound of laughter – allows us to appreciate the inherent beauty and wonder of existence.

Living in the present moment, then, is a fertile ground from which growth blossoms.

When we are fully present, we are more receptive to learning, to new experiences, and to the transformative power of each moment. We become more attuned to the subtle nuances of life, the sharing of knowledge, and the intricate choreography of a spider weaving its web. These seemingly mundane experiences, when approached with mindful awareness, hold the potential for profound insights and personal growth.

This isn’t to say we ignore the future altogether. Of course, we can, and should, make plans, set goals, and work towards a better tomorrow, where we will be better than today.

But all these actions are grounded in the present, fueled by our deep awareness of the here and now.

Living with engagement, Not Expectation

Instead of excitement for a future filled with possibilities, we can cultivate a sense of passionate engagement with the present. This passion isn’t driven by the expectation of future rewards but by an appreciation for the intrinsic value of the act itself.

The joy of learning, the joy and contentment that comes from helping others, the love shared with another being – these are all experiences that hold their own weight, independent of any future outcome.

The Freedom of Non-Attachment

This philosophy might seem counterintuitive to some.

Doesn’t ambition, dreaming big, and striving for a better future fuel human progress? Absolutely. But the key lies in detaching ourselves from the actual outcome.

We can pursue our goals with passion and dedication, without letting our happiness be contingent on achieving them.

This detachment isn’t apathy; it’s a form of liberation.

It allows us to experience the present moment fully, free from the anxieties of success and failure. It empowers us to act purposefully while accepting life’s inherent uncertainty.

The rewards of present-moment living are immeasurable.

By embracing the now, we cultivate a sense of peace, gratitude, and fulfilment. We become more effective actors in our own lives, responding to situations with clarity and purpose. We break free from the cycle of yearning and discontent, and instead, discover the awesome beauty of existence that unfolds with each precious, irreplaceable moment.

Finding Joy in the Everyday

Living entirely in the present moment doesn’t mean ignoring the future or neglecting our responsibilities. It’s about cultivating a sense of presence, an awareness of the details that make up our lives. It’s about finding joy in the everyday – the warmth of a cup of tea, the comfort of routine, the quiet beauty of a sunset.

This approach to life might not be for everyone. But for those willing to embrace the impermanence of the present, it offers a profound sense of peace, freedom, and a deep appreciation for the very essence of being alive.