No. 3: Being present
Life story: It was during one my annual retreats, when
I was constantly getting distracted with many dreams and plans for the future.
I was not able to concentrate on my prayer and was feeling restless. I shared my
inner turmoil with the retreat guide. He was prudent enough to recognize the
elements of evil spirit. He instructed me to dwell in the present and not to
entertain any dreams. I followed his instructions. Gradually, I got back the
spirit of silence and I could finish my retreat quite fruitfully.
It is good to have plans for the future. Psychologists
insist on having dreams and inspiration for a successful life. As the former
president of India, APJ Abdul Kalam rightly said, “Dream is not that which you
see while sleeping it is something that does not let you sleep.” But there is a
concept call ‘day-dream.’ Day dream takes us away from the present, and places
us in the world of fantasy. Day dream does not become reality rather it kills
our precious time.
Unfortunately, many of us dedicate our precious time
either thinking about the future or recalling the past. The past memory can
make us guilty while the future can make us anxious. It can also bring the ‘momentary
joy’. But, in the process, we miss out the present. The present has many things
to offer us. Unless and until we live in the present, we miss out many opportunities.
Being in the present moment is also considered living our life with full
mindfulness. Living our life with full mindfulness, eventually leads us to
happiness.
So, let’s make a decision to be in the present. It
will make a huge difference in life...
