The Meaning of the Present Moment in Mindfulness & Meditation
Many mindfulness and meditation experts have commented on the meaning of the present moment. Below I have noted some of the ideas presented by Eckhart Tolle. In some cases I have added my own interpretations.
What is the Present Moment? What is the experience about? Here are some ideas to consider. The present moment is:
- Being in the here now, when it is happening;
- Resting in the consciousness of mind-awareness;
- Realization of a deeper, more clear moment-to-moment experience;
- Being with your personal essential self – your original nature;
- Feeling one with the unified consciousness of all things;
- Knowing your life in NOW and NOT in the past or in the future;
- When you cannot live present-mindedly, you crave what you had in the past or hope for in the future;
- Remaining present-minded implies you can deal better with your experiences without past/future desires;
- As attention and concentration in the present strengthens, you realize nothing is missing;
- Practice finding inner peace in the spaces and silences between your breaths and between your thoughts;
- Radically accept the vibrations of the present experience so your brain-mind-heart-body-spirit calms;
- Find the present by finding the observer who is the present moment – the perceiver-you is present;
- Use your higher self to remain present without evaluation – no matter what is happening now;
- Breathe slowly and deeply to discover the center of experience here now; and,
- Use the present as a guide, helping you to reduce desire for past ideals and future expectations.
For more information refer to Tolle, E. (2007). The Art of Presence. Boulder, CO: Sounds True [CDs]. Also visit www.eckharttolle.com
By Anthony R. Quintiliani, PhD., LADC
From the Eleanor R. Liebman Center for Secular Meditation in Monkton, Vermont
Author of Mindful Happiness
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